Late-Lee, I’ve been paying closer attention to the weather. This time of year it’s not unusual to get your fair share of sunshine followed by surprise summer storms. We’ve already had a tropical storm roll up the eastern seaboard, and hurricane season has barely stretched its legs.

The forecast helps us plan our day, figure out what to wear, whether to cancel that boat ride, or if it’s safe to hit the water on the ski. I don’t mind getting wet, but I’m not about to head out if the radar is screaming “take cover.”

That got me thinking—as it often does—about leadership.

Mel Robbins said something that hit home for me: “Leaders bring the weather.”

She’s right. Your energy sets the tone. Whether you realize it or not, the way you show up – your attitude, body language, words you use, even your silence—can shift the whole climate of your team. 

If you’re rushing around, short on patience, or carrying stress like a backpack, folks can feel it. That pressure doesn’t stay with you—it spreads like a building storm does across the sky. But if you show up grounded, focused, and hopeful? Well, that spreads much like the rainbow you find stretching across the sky.

Think about it like this…it’s like walking into a room and immediately sensing what kind of day the leader is having. The temperature changes. People adjust their tone, their pace, and even their posture. They begin to mentally storm prep. 

So here’s a good gut-check for leaders:

What kind of weather are you bringing today?

Is it calm and steady? Stormy and unpredictable? Foggy and unclear?

Now, none of us can be sunshine every day. That’s not real life. But what is real is taking a beat to check your own forecast before you step into that meeting, classroom, or coaching session. Because whether we like it or not, our presence changes the atmosphere. And the best leaders know how to carry an umbrella and still bring the light to help those they lead feel safe so they can thrive.

Sometimes just showing up with a little sunshine makes all the difference. Be that light for others!