Earlier this year, I had a minor accident with my right index finger at a wedding. My fingernail was ripped off—and yes, it was as painful as it sounds! The pain surged through me, and I wanted to cry, but surprisingly, I maintained my composure.

Thankfully, my sister was by my side. She quickly stopped the bleeding while I headed to the hospital. Long story short, my finger needed a few stitches, and I couldn’t do many of the things I usually take for granted.

What Did I Learn?

• Even the Little Things Matter: As a right-handed person, losing one finger was incredibly inconvenient. I couldn’t perform certain tasks, and even typing became a chore. This experience reminded me that sometimes the smallest part of a system can cause the whole machine to falter. Whether in a home or an organization, every detail matters—and paying attention to them is a hallmark of effective leadership.
• One Moment Can Change It All: One minute, I was socializing at a wedding; the next, I was in the ER with a bloody finger. In a split second, my life—and perspective—changed dramatically. This reminds us that in both life and business, unexpected events can quickly alter our path, urging us to remain agile and responsive.
• Trust Your Gut: When I first arrived at the ER, the on-duty team underestimated the severity of my injury and merely dressed it. However, my instincts told me something was wrong, and it turned out I needed more care. In leadership, trusting your instincts—even when others disagree—can be critical to addressing issues before they escalate.
• Get On and Move On: I ended up with a huge bandage on my finger, and people kept asking, “What happened?” While it became tiresome to explain, I refused to let it slow me down. Life and work often throw unexpected challenges our way. Just as resilient leaders keep the show running—ensuring that business continuity plans are in place—we too must push on, learn from setbacks, and keep moving forward.
• Look at Your Options and Adapt: Being unable to use my right hand forced me to learn how to do more with my left. At first, it was clumsy, but soon I got the hang of it. This experience taught me the power of adaptability—a key leadership trait. In the workplace, when a team member leaves or when a process fails, others often discover hidden strengths that fill the gap.
• Look at the Bright Side: My injury, as traumatic as it was, made me somewhat ambidextrous. I never imagined I could write decently with my left hand, yet here I am. Setbacks can unlock hidden potential. In leadership, challenges often reveal untapped capabilities, both in ourselves and our teams.
• Learn the Lessons: Learning from our experiences is vital for success. When we fail to extract lessons from our setbacks, we risk repeating the same mistakes. In business and leadership, continuous learning is essential to growth and improvement.
• Be Cautious – and Proactive: It was an ill-fitted chair that caused my accident. Now, before I sit down, I take a moment to inspect my surroundings. This proactive risk management is crucial not only for personal safety but also for ensuring that our work environments are free of hazards. Just as leaders assess and mitigate risks in their organizations, we must take precautions to protect our well-being.

This experience was a powerful reminder that even minor setbacks can offer major lessons in resilience, adaptability, and proactive leadership. I hope my story inspires you to trust your instincts, embrace challenges, and always look for opportunities to grow—both personally and professionally.

Feel free to share your thoughts or similar experiences in the comments below!