Clearview® Performance Systems brings you ... ® ... a Culture of Results & Engagement®
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 #79
(June 16, 2020)
As I reflect on the current world around us during the coronavirus—and not just in business but in the larger context of the world—I've been impressed by many leaders and disappointed by others.
Some leaders have faced the fear, uncertainty, and ambiguity by instilling a sense of calm, projecting confidence and optimism, by drawing together their respective communities, and, most certainly, by demonstrating a high degree of compassion.
But, for others, the same fear and ambiguity have paralyzed.
My experience as a leadership consultant demonstrates, time, and time again, that an individual's true character is exposed during times of crisis and uncertainty. And, when things get really turbulent—as we are experiencing today—you start to see who shows up as a leader ... and who doesn't. Crisis—whether in business, government, or society at large—has become the modern-day version of "The Emperor has no Clothes." [Note: Actual title is "The Emperor's New Clothes" written by Hans Christian Andersen in 1837 ... how prescient!]
I read a thought-provoking article this week that used, as its headline, several dire (even apocalyptic) statements from business leaders about the future. Then, with a huge "GOTCHA" they went on to describe that these statements were made many years ago during the last five major uncertain events of our time. This was a perfect reminder that we've dealt with uncertainty many times before and that strong leaders evolve, adapt and—with significant frequency—turn challenges into opportunities.
So this brings me to the question I asked in the title of this week's CORE Bites—a question paraphrased from a quote by Deng Xiaoping ... do you have the courage to cross the stream by feeling around for the stones? If you've ever done any hiking in the wilderness it's likely you've had to occasionally cross a stream with a very uncertain streambed. This requires a cautious (almost intuitive) feeling around with one's toes and feet looking for stability—all while moving forward at a reasonable pace (you'll never finish your hike moving forward at an inch-a-minute!).
In a similar way, we are being called upon today—as leaders—to move forward. People are looking to us to guide them into the future; they're expecting us to show them the way across the stream. What they don't want to see is us standing on the streambank immobilized by uncertainty or, worse, pointing the way but never leaving the safety and security of the streambank ourselves.
It's time for courage ... it's time to lead and cross the stream.
The HVAs provided below will help you find stable footing to keep you grounded while crossing the stream—to help you move into the future, incremental, by feeling your way forward—even amidst uncertainty.
Leadership is a journey that never stops. You—as a leader—have the opportunity to lead your teams and inspire confidence. Your team need you now more than ever.
I'd love to hear how these HVAs work for you!
Neil Dempster, PhD, MBA
RESULTant™ and Behavioral Engineer
"Courage doesn't mean you don't get afraid. Courage means you don't let fear stop you."
— Bethany Hamilton —