In a recent LinkedIn post, Lise Kuecker shares a compelling personal anecdote to highlight the critical role of leadership during challenging times. Kuecker uses a difficult experience faced by her team to illustrate how a leader’s response to adversity significantly shapes team perception and trust.
The post details a situation where two team members traveled from London to film podcast episodes, only to encounter a cascade of problems. These included lost luggage sent to the wrong airport and an impending snowstorm. Kuecker emphasizes that it was in these moments of crisis that her team truly learned about her leadership style.
“Your team learns the most about you when things go wrong. Especially when they need your help.”
The Test of Leadership in Adversity
Kuecker recounts how, upon hearing about the team’s predicament, immediate action was taken by herself and another team member. This involved practical support such as collecting the team members from the airport, providing alternative clothing from Kuecker’s own closet, and retrieving the lost luggage. The key takeaway, as Kuecker points out, was the proactive and unified response.
“Nobody had to be asked; we just got to work,” Kuecker writes, underscoring the implicit understanding and shared responsibility within her team. This immediate, hands-on approach is contrasted with the potential for a less supportive leadership style.
Defining Leadership Through Action
The impact of such a crisis response was profound, as evidenced by a comment from one of her team members: “There are some leaders who would’ve left us to handle it alone.” This statement, shared by Kuecker, starkly defines the difference between reactive and proactive leadership. It highlights that a leader’s true character is revealed not in smooth sailing, but in navigating turbulent waters.
“How you show up in those moments shapes how your team sees you.”
Kuecker argues that these moments, whether major logistical failures or smaller personal difficulties like a rough morning for a team member, are opportunities to build or erode trust. Her experience serves as a powerful reminder that consistent support and decisive action in the face of problems are fundamental to effective leadership.
The Ripple Effect of Supportive Leadership
The narrative shared by Kuecker is not just about solving an immediate problem; it’s about reinforcing a team culture. By stepping in and actively helping, Kuecker demonstrated a commitment to her team’s well-being and success. This, in turn, fosters a loyal and resilient team environment.
As Kuecker concludes her post:
“It could be as big as a plan falling apart or as small as someone having a rough morning.”
She encourages leaders to recognize that their actions during difficult times have a lasting impact on how they are perceived. The post serves as a call to action for other leaders to reflect on their own responses to team challenges.
Kuecker’s account, shared widely on LinkedIn, offers a practical and heartfelt perspective on leadership. It emphasizes that true leadership is often defined by the willingness to roll up one’s sleeves and support the team when it matters most, especially when things inevitably go wrong.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Lise Kuecker on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on October 2, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →