Who do you know who honestly has your back? It’s a powerful question. If you had to identify those in your life that you could absolutely trust to back you if you needed it – how many people would there be? Read about our recent experience...
Yesterday we experienced a storm here in Brisbane that damaged some areas more than others – the big grey clouds, lightning, thunder, wind and rain all railed around the city.
As I sat in the calm and tranquillity of my office and looked out of the window I realised that the weather paralleled our circumstances: everything that Julianna and I have been working toward had the potential to be torn apart by the storm brewed by others using deception and manipulation for their own gain.
Yet because of the strength of our trust and the value we both place in our partnership, Julianna and I remained steadfast despite the lightning that was directed at our integrity.
Every value that we held of importance was attacked: our discretion; our professionalism; years of hard work to lay a solid foundation of credibility. And although the attack was aimed primarily at Julianna, I definitely came under fire based on my skill set as well.
In fact, these people literally put us in an open field with a metal bar strapped to our head for the lightning to find and it was our test as to whether or not we stood firm or ran for the nearest tree!
So when you face the integrity storm – whether it’s with friends, at work or with family - do you cower or brave it? And exactly who has your back when it happens?
Here are some things I have learned and experienced since working with Julianna:
- We don’t get to choose the tests we face in life. Just like storms, they can brew out of sight until suddenly they sweep in from the west and catch us unawares: and the only way that we know our integrity stands is if it’s pushed;
- People are unsure how to deal with solid, inner strength. When you know who you are, where you’ve come from and are transparent about what you want to achieve, it makes those who are unsure, doubtful and weak around you very uncomfortable;
- If you stick to your truth and make a concerted effort to act with integrity in everything you do, then no matter how hard people try to push you off your track, discredit you and manipulate your abilities for their gain, they will never succeed.
Julianna and I are now even firmer in our partnership as a result of this week’s situation, just as your relationships will be with those who have your back when you are put to the test. And because I used the analogy of the weather at the start, I will quote the inimitable Dolly Parton to finish: “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain."
See who is around you; know who has your back; and move forward knowing you can add their strength to your own when it’s needed.
Written by Nicole Fisher, Julianna’s Business Partner
