Three leadership tips for challenging times
Did your mojo go missing in action for a while?
Maybe it still is! After all, the pandemic has been hard on everyone.
Particularly since the start of 2021, in my work as mentor and coach to CEOs and senior leaders, I’ve heard the story time and again of fatigue, depleted energy and blurred business vision. Plus many questions about how to proceed in these challenging times. And quite understandably, given what we’ve been through.
So how can we find the energy to bounce back?
“I’m not afraid of storms for I’m learning to sail my ship.”
When we’re in totally uncharted waters, this thought surely applies to all of us. But it also makes me think of three personal lessons I’ve learned - about staying the course, gritting your teeth, and forging ahead - which may be valuable to any leader in times of adversity.
1. Shift The Focus From Urgent To Important
A few years ago I was part of a crew who sailed in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.
When a storm arrived, which it did quite frequently, it rapidly altered the order of priorities – we needed to batten down the hatches, adjust down our sail formation to a safer and slower combination, and ensure the boat was as safe as possible for the incoming storm.
But in those moments it’s just as important to look ahead at the big picture and beyond the present crisis which, like all crises, will pass. To check the bearings, scan the horizon and find the guiding star again.
In business it’s all too easy to get trapped in what seems urgent at the expense of what’s important – in other words, the overall aim or goal.
What’s urgent will pass, but what’s important will stay for the long term as long as we stay focused on it.
2. Look Out For The Second Wind
Or indeed, the fourth, fifth or sixth wind!
I used to play hockey nationally, and it was always in moments when the match may have seemed lost that the need arose for me and my team members to dig deep, find that extra burst of energy, and return to the fray again.
That second wind was what made the difference. When failure seems inevitable, a sudden glimpse of victory and a renewal of drive and energy can change absolutely everything.
Keeping watch for those moments which are, in business as in sport, the name of the game – and especially today.
3. Nourish Energy So It Grows Like A Seedling
I can’t say it was easy completing the equivalent of five marathons in five days up, down and over the Alps, as I did a few years ago, but it brought home to me the power of teamwork and having the right people around you (in my case, a fantastic masseur: legs need a lot of care after those ferocious mountains).
And by the same token, it’s incredibly important to look after ourselves when we’re in challenging situations: getting enough quality sleep (10 to 11 hours per night, in case you too fancy having a go at the Alpine multi-marathon thing), eating the right nutrition to stimulate energy when it’s need, staying hydrated, paying attention to exercise, finding time to relax and reflect, and so on.
Perhaps we embark on these challenges to learn how the lessons can apply beyond the field of sport, and to find out how we deal with adversity and benefit from it in the long run.
Of course, I’m not suggesting you jack in the day job and disappear round the world. Instead, look for inspiration outside of business during tough times to help make the bounceback within business.
Discover what if
If you’re struggling to find your mojo, these are just three ways to begin finding it again.
We’re all learning to sail our ship, and one day we’ll look back fondly upon what we learnt during this particular storm.
Meet Kate Fletcher
I have 25 years’ experience transforming businesses, including as Commercial Director on the Board of a FTSE250 company. I’ve worked closely with over 150 Chairmen & women, CEO’s and senior executives.
I work with CEO’s, Boards, Leaders & their organisations. I work with clients 1-2-1 & as a group.
Working with me provides a different perspective & the benefit of a collective wisdom from others in the same boat.
Beyond work I’ve inspired & led winning teams, having sailed around the world & played national hockey. As a mum to two children, I also understand the reality of balancing family & career.
You can stay connected with me via LinkedIn or email me to arrange an exploratory conversation.
