Lead Through Uncertainty
It’s amazing how parks filled with risks are considered amusement for many people. I used to love visiting amusement parks, knowing I was only there for the adventure of being thrilled and scared out of my mind. I remember one particular roller coaster ride that had lots of twists and turns before eventually taking us into a dark tunnel and almost coming to a complete stop. When the pace slowly picked up, we weren’t sure what to expect next. Then the roller coaster burst out of the tunnel and we proceeded to go through more loops and turns. But we knew that ride would only last for a couple of minutes. Unlike that roller coaster, there seems to be no end in sight for the uncertain twists and turns of 2020.
During these uncertain times, we are being challenged to lead courageously. Day after day, we are being faced with constant change. Is it fair to say that we are truly leading in uncharted waters? People often look to leaders to provide direction and insight, but what happens when the leader is unsure of what to do next?
Let me share what has helped me to lead effectively even in uncertain times.
Check Your Pulse
First, ask yourself a couple of questions: In these uncertain times, how am I doing? How am I processing the current situation? If you’re like me, you go into rescue mode to assist others. It’s important to make sure we don’t lose sight of our own well-being. There is nothing worse than trying to lead while feeling emotionally drained and burnt out. This is why self-evaluation and reflection are so important. Ask yourself what you should start doing, what you should stop doing, and what you should continue doing at this strategic point in life. Just like seasons change, sometimes priorities need to change. Leading ourselves is just as important as leading others.
Second, do you have a safe place to process? I value the trusted advisors & friends I have in my circle. Evaluate your circle to see if you have a good support team. If not, look for mentors that can provide honest feedback and support. Everyone needs a strong village/network.
Third, take a deep breath! You don’t have to know all the answers. One of the biggest myths about leadership is that we need to know all the answers. Be confident but be upfront and honest with your coworkers that you are learning with them. People will follow those leaders who are transparent more than those who claim to have all of the answers.
Gain Focus
How do you personally process and lead people through change? It’s easy to get off course and lose focus when there are so many voices competing for your attention. While the process of change is inevitable, it can be extremely uncomfortable and difficult for those around you. Listen and validate their concerns to gain understanding. Only then can you assist them through the journey of change. We can often get stuck in the cycle of change and never make it to the place of productivity. Make sure that the goal is still front and center. Identify those on your team or in your organization who are stuck and help navigate them through change.
Pivot Quickly
The ability to quickly change direction and leverage any given situation is a crucial trait to be an effective leader. As mentioned earlier, being stuck in the change process will limit your productivity and will negatively impact your ability to influence others.
Use whatcha got! Assess your current situation and look at your current resources, talent, and team skills to show how you can adjust to the change and the uncertainty ahead. Leverage every situation, even if it appears to be an obstacle. Think creatively about how to run your business or lead your team differently. Could it be that these uncertain times are pushing you to think outside the box? Choose to not get stuck in “this is the way we have always done it.” Now is the time to break out of the mold and try new things.
Don’t allow the current uncertainty to keep you stuck. Keep moving, you have work to do!
La-Kita
“Be a Leader Worth Following”
What’s your biggest takeaway from today’s post? Share in the comments below!