Emerging from Crisis

How do you respond in moments of crisis? What do you build from those lows? How does that impact your future?

As I mentioned a few weeks ago - inflection points can be critical moments where we can forge a new and stronger path forward for ourselves, our companies, and our communities.  

I saw a real life example of this over the weekend in Santa Barbara.

All weekend, I couldn’t stop noticing the incredible architecture of the city.

It wasn’t just the beautiful individual buildings and their dreamy Spanish style design. I also couldn’t help but notice that the WHOLE city had that same look and feel. The entire downtown corridor had that aesthetic. Walking around Santa Barbara you get the feeling that you are walking around a lovely Spanish city. It’s a world away from the California I live in and it is absolutely incredible. 

Now what does this have to do with crisis or inflection points?  Well, as I started to ask around and research the history of Santa Barbara - I learned that there was a pivotal moment in the history of the city.

In 1925, there was a massive 6.8 magnitude earthquake that basically destroyed all of the city’s buildings. Complete devastation!  The photos of the destruction are incredible (see below for one).

And yet, from the rubble of that disaster emerged the city we see today. Community leaders rallied to institute building codes that would not only enshrine earthquake safe construction, but would also define the look and feel of the city for generations to come.

The beauty and cohesion I saw this last weekend was the result of decisions made nearly 100 years ago. Decisions made as a result of catastrophe.

How does today’s setback or inflection point give you an opportunity to build something new and lasting? 

How can you take a cue from Santa Barbara and build something beautiful?