I’ve always been a bit of a Pollyanna. There is good in almost everything – it just takes finding.
This huge challenge is no different. The vast majority of us will overcome it. Some will find it provides great opportunities.
The leadership landscape has changed. I’ve noticed many of my coaching clients, determined to develop their leadership skills, have had to focus much more on adapting their activities into firefighting and survival strategies. In Stephen Covey’s language, they have had to move from Quadrant 2 to Quadrant 1. From important but not urgent, to the important and urgent stuff.
And that is exactly what they should be doing.
We’ve discussed ways to adopt new communication skills, how to better support others, the value of prioritization, getting creative, and more, all to get the best job done in new and unfamiliar circumstances.
This will end.
It will not be the same ever again, most likely, so leaders will need to be different too. Whilst there are no clear signs that we are going to a new normal quite yet, we are at the point where leaders can take actions in advance of some semblance of normal coming back into scope.
Why is now a good time?
Because you can. Because you may find yourself adapting the way you work right now that gives you a little more space.
So, value that opportunity.
Leaders who want to emerge into this new challenging environment will have opportunities like never before. The huge social, economic and workplace environment changes everyone has experienced recently have opened the door to new possibilities.
How we work; when we work and where we work.
Leaders who want to hit the ground running will – right now, before ‘normality’ returns – be considering what this all means. The big survivors will be raising their awareness of how the experiences – more, the capacity to change – can be incorporated into the new normal.
As challenges settle; as your people settle; indeed as you settle, it is time to reflect and ease back into Quadrant 2 thinking. Important and not-quite-so-urgent.
Here are a few ideas to consider, and don’t leave it.
Do it now.
- What have been 5 benefits of the adapted ways of working?
How can you utilize these going forward?
- What have been the 5 biggest challenges?
How did you overcome them? How can you use this now?
- What 3 things did you learn about yourself?
How can you benefit from that knowledge?
- What 3 things did you learn about your people?
What will you do differently with them going forward?
- How has distance helped you?
What will you do with this knowledge now?
- What have you enjoyed most about this time?
How will you incorporate more of this in the future?
- What have you disliked most?
How will you delete this from your work?
The whole challenge of the crisis we are in the middle of will evolve into opportunities. If you are of a mind to, you will be climbing out of the dip already and seeing what your new future will offer.
And by taking control of what you can in an out-of-control world, you will ensure that for you, good comes from it.
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