COVID-19 has changed the landscape of life, organizations, and leadership. Some can only fight for their very existence (our hearts and prayers go out to you). Others are hunkered down trying to maintain. A third group is exploring and adapting to this new environment–they are tracking and reading sign.

“The earth is a manuscript, being written and unwritten every day. The Pine Barrens are a geological track, the Mississippi River is a track, and so are the Rocky Mountains. The track/print/geology is made and then slowly worn down or built upon by the forces of natural erosion and gravity. Gravity ultimately wants everything to be at the same level. A track is the earth’s reaction to your passing over it. From each passing, there are a series of concentric rings than ripple out. The track itself is one such ring, so is the call of the blue jay that scolds you as you walk beneath his tree.”

John Stokes, ’74

I’m not much of an animal hunter, but four basic principles to tracking and reading sign are:

• Preparation
• Observation
• Anticipation
• Action

I believe these four principles can help each of us not only get through this challenging time but also lead to success.

May it be so for you.

For you.