Navigating Troubled Waters | Managing Crisis
WHY IS IT THAT SOME PEOPLE SEEM TO GLIDE GENTLY THROUGH ALL THE CHANGES LIFE THROWS AT THEM, WHILE OTHERS GET DISCOMBOBULATED HAVING TO CHANGE THE MOST MINOR PART OF THEIR ROUTINE?
Change is a constant. Change has always been with us as a people, and it always will be. What is for certain is that it is almost never easy for the majority; especially when it is as all encompassing as a pandemic. We are living in times when the pace of change is rapidly accelerating.
I MEAN TALK ABOUT THE FOOT ON GAS PEDAL, WITH NO BRAKE!
Even though some states are reopening, it will indeed take a while for things to go back to normal. In fact, it will be an ongoing process of continuous and perpetual adjustments for many of us.
IN THIS INTERESTING MOMENT OF SUDDEN CHANGE; I WANT TO ENCOURAGE YOU ALL TO SEEK THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHAMPION CHANGE—EVEN THOUGH IT’S SCARY AND UNCOMFORTABLE.
None of this will work if you are not ready and willing to make the necessary changes to your business and your life to to meet the times we are in. First things firsts, Decide and commit. This is where many people get stuck. Just deciding alone, to move past the presented change, is quite the challenge. Psychology has shown the affect of change on people and in general, people naturally do not like change because it creates uncertainty. People tend to instinctively resist change because of he fear of the unknown.
Championing change is all about acceptance, anticipation and action.
First, accept the changes that have occurred and that things may not go back to what you may be accustomed to. We muѕt anticipate change so we are not surprised by іt. With our businesses, we must anticipate where the market оr industry is headed so we can get out in front of it. Then we must take action to fight against apathy and stagnation.
Some of the most effective and influential leaders have mastered change management skills, which doesn’t come naturally or easily; as we are all in some way change-adverse. As the CEO of your own life, here are three immediate principles of change management you can apply to your personal or professional life as you navigate through these changing times:
Acknowledge the Human Element: Change Management Practitioners often have to take on the task of reminding organizations that every decision or indecision affects real people. Well the same goes for you. It is okay to feel all the feelings associated with change. Take inventory of what you need and make a plan to address your needs. How can you support yourself through these changes? What do you need to get to the other side of fear?
Asses the Landscape: If you are like me, many of you probably started 2020 with аn annual plan inclusive of goals and beautiful benchmarks. Some of you may have even created a vision board with friends with all the eagerness a new year brings . I am sure many of us feel very much off track. That’s understandable. But in order to effectively navigate through this you must start to reassess. Where are you currently in regards to your 2020 goals? I want you to give an honest self-assessment here. Where do you need/want to be? What wіll іt take to get there? What do you need to do starting today in order to get the ball rolling?
Create Ownership: Let’s start with a consensus that in order to navigate these waters you must accept what is, what can’t be and divert your attention to what can be. What do you mean Shara? Well, I’m glad you asked. By now, we all know what we don’t have any control over, but what do you have control over? I bet if you sat and listed out the things you have control over it would actually be longer than you think! This is where opportunity flourishes. Here is where you can take action. Completely OWN the areas within your control by taking direct and timely action. When it comes to that annual plan or vision board, which part can you focus on starting right now? Which parts could you possibly recruit someone to own it for you? What can be done now to make sure pandemic or not certain goals are accomplished?
THЕ BOTTOM LINE
Embracing the change of this moment will open new doors for growth іn your personal and professional lives. If you were waiting for a nudge, consider this post your nudge! Take the starting three tactics above and apply them immediately.
Remember, perception is everything. Now that you have had time to process all that is going on, it is time to DECIDE AND COMMIT to move forward! You got this!
Stay healthy. Be well.
Until Next Time. In Greatness,
Coach Shara