Leadership Lessons from a Morning Meltdown
- Ralph Cochrane
- Aug 19
- 1 min read
Why I Deserve a Medal for Keeping It Together Today.
I had a meeting in 30 minutes. The girls needed to be dropped off. I had just enough time to get back, log on, and pretend to be a composed professional.
Then…
- Someone knocked over her juice.
- The juice spilled on her sister.
- Tears. Because today was a special outfit day. The one she planned all week.
Now we’re changing. Frustrated. Upset. Clock ticking.
And in the middle of it all: I knelt down, helped her take a breath, and reminded her it’s okay to be disappointed. No yelling. No rushing. Just patience—one breath at a time.
It was one of those mornings. You know the kind. Where your leadership gets tested before you even check your email. But here’s the thing: those moments are leadership. Helping others regulate their emotions when yours are on the brink. Choosing calm when chaos wants the mic. Showing up—juice-stained, slightly late—but steady.
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