We have all been faced with a change in reality that goes far beyond imagination. At times, it’s hard to even remember what life was like when we could come and go whenever and wherever we wanted. It seems like a lifetime ago that we were able to gather with family and friends.
I believe, however, it is possible to have hope and encouragement, even when this time is full of uncertainty and more questions than answers.
Leading Your Team
If you lead an organization or are in any type of leadership role, the big question is how will you lead through this time of uncertainty? Here are some simple steps you can take to help you not only survive, but thrive.
1. Respond instead of react.
Easier said than done, right? What is the difference between the two? Reacting is emotional; responding is non-emotional. Reacting is impulsive; responding is prayerful and thoughtful. Reacting is quick; responding is slower and more methodical.
I’m not saying as leaders we shouldn’t act with passion and decisiveness in our response to Covid-19 or any other crisis. I do, however, feel it’s important to take a breath, look at the data from the best resources available, filter the information with our teams, and respond with the very best option for our organization.
2. Confront the brutal facts.
In Good to Great, Jim Collins talks about the Stockdale Paradox. It was named after Admiral Jim Stockdale, an 8-year prisoner of war at the infamous Hanoi Hilton during the Vietnam War.
In an interview, Admiral Stockdale said the ones who didn’t make it died of a broken heart because they wouldn’t accept their reality. He said, “You must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end–which you can never afford to lose–with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they may be.”
Once we are willing to face the facts of the current situation in which we find our organization, we will be able to lead our teams more effectively. We will be able to walk ahead of them into the future with a hope of what might be instead of remaining stuck in what once was.
3. Adapt or die.
Carey Nieuhoff said, “Methods crumble in crises.” The teams that I have watched thrive during this very difficult, history-making time we are facing with Covid-19 are the teams that have used this as a time to unleash creativity and innovation. They are the teams that have the ability to pivot and change their strategies, even if it means beginning with a blank piece of paper.
Richard Branson said, ““Every success story is a tale of constant adaption, revision, and change.” Will you be willing to adapt and shift directions from how you are used to doing business so that your organization will survive its current challenges?
Leading Yourself
If you are going to be able to lead your team well through difficult times, you have to first make sure you are leading yourself well. Here are some things I try to put into practice.
Take care of your body.
Over the years, I have spent a great deal of time researching the importance of health and fitness on your work performance. I have consistently read over the years that if you eat well, stay hydrated, and sleep at least seven hours a day, you could be up to 20-30% more effective in your work. This includes getting plenty of exercise, rest, water, and taking vitamins that will promote good health.
Take care of your soul.
Every day, especially during a time of extreme difficulty, we must stay connected to Jesus and His Word to make sure He is directing our thoughts. If our thoughts are centered on Him, it will positively impact our actions and decisions.
Mute inflammatory sources.
Make sure that if you get information, you are getting it from parties without agendas. Seek out information from people who are going to give you accurate facts, not commentary on what they think about the facts. Once you have the facts, you can process them and present them to your team for discussion and decision making.
Be an encouragement.
When a crisis hits, there is nothing more needed than for us to look outside of our current situation and think of others. A word of encouragement can go a long way to lift someone’s spirits, and it will also do wonders for getting your mind off of your own troubles.
Yes, a time of crisis is disruptive and difficult. The question is, will you be able to thrive during crises both personally and professionally? Will you be able to lead your team well through the difficulties?
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