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Here's the next in our series of weekly managerial TIPS (Techniques, Insights, and Practical Solutions)
to help you better engage your team in the activities that lead to higher performance.
CORE Bites Issue #70
If you're reading this and not familiar with the Arizona landmark shown in this image, this awesome rock is Tom's Thumb, an appropriately named—and very popular—hiking destination in the Sonoran Desert in Southwestern United States. Over the weekend my wife and I hiked this incredible protrusion to its highest point (3,925 feet) to take advantage of its panoramic views.
[In case you're wondering, please note that the recommendations during the current shelter-in-place decree are "physical distancing" ... not "no existing" ...]
Our purpose for this hike—in addition to the healthy exercise and fresh air—was to do a bit of reflection on what we've been through during this last four weeks. While we explored many facets of the current situation during this reflective time (including family, friends and country), one aspect that we discussed (for a rather lengthy period of time) is how the managers and leaders inside our client organizations are coping.
We're painfully aware, from a number of personal-touch conversations, that most managers—regardless of industry—are facing daily 'between a rock and a hard place' decisions as it pertains to their employees. These decisions represent the uncomfortable choice between two 'lemmas' ... the predicament of being faced with two equally unwelcome (and frequently ambiguous) dilemmas while knowing there is no option—a decision needs to be made. As one senior leader recently confided:
"For many decisions today there is no playbook; there are no right or wrongs. There are only two (or more) less-than-desirable alternatives that truly are the proverbial lesser of two (or more) evils."
While the use of Tom's Thumb as a metaphor for the "rock" can't be missed, what may not be so obvious is the clarity of vision you'll obtain from the top of the metaphorical "rock." It's with this vantage point in mind that I bring you the HVAs for this week.
[Note: I also have a special quote for you in today's Quote of the Week that I'd like you to think about ... internalize ... and, perhaps, pass along to someone you know who could benefit from this Sage advice.]
While we're in Business as Unusual mode—when significant ambiguity is the order of the day—we must develop strategies to deal with the 'between a rock and a hard place' decisions that are expected from us. Here are a few HVAs that may help in this pursuit:
[Disclaimer: While Tom's Thumb is at 3,925 feet, I must confess—in the spirit of full disclosure—that the trailhead starts at 2,813 feet so the climb is really only 1,112 feet (I hope this news doesn't mean a loss of credibility ...].
I'd love to hear how these HVAs work for you!
Neil Dempster, PhD, MBA
RESULTant™ and Behavioral Engineer
"Promise me you’ll always remember:
You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."
— Winnie-the-Pooh —