Today was one of the hellish days of my life. But I learned something astonishing. People looked to me for leadership, for direction--I provided it, told them what I expected, and they did it. Absolutely incredible.

Part of the reason for my success in this experience was that I told them what I expected. If they rose to the occasion I told them "Great. Go for it" and if it seemed as if they weren't sure what to do, I gave them a set of directions to follow. Which were followed to the letter with alacrity. I'm still stunned it all went off so well.

Except for one person who, when told what would be expected of them, got in their vehicle and drove off and remained incommunicado until the emergency was over. That person will be dealt with, and I let the others know that I would take the appropriate measures (didn't say what they were, since I wasn't sure what I would do. But there will be a follow up; I can guarantee them that).

I could actually see people relax as they set about taking care of the tasks assigned to them. It was as though they had been wanting someone to provide energy and direction (as opposed to loudness and gossip) and set to the day's tasks with a will. Amazing.

It wasn't just me. It was all of us. Synergy. And at the end of the day, exhausting but satisfying.

The hellish part was dealing with the Powers That Be downtown and their cluelessness and drive to look good for promotions at all costs, to the detriment of anybody whose actions or decisions show them to be the toxic managers they are. But that's a story for another day.