The past two years have brought difficult and often unexpected challenges for leaders and their teams to face. “Normalcy” still seems a long way off for many of the leaders we know. Uncertainty as to what the future holds is still a very present challenge as we grapple with talent shortages, rising prices and global instability.
“The leader is one who, out of the clutter, brings simplicity … out of discord, harmony … and out of difficulty, opportunity.” – Albert Einstein
To help leaders navigate the journey of the unknown, here are five tips to get the best out of you and your team.
Embrace uncertainty
Challenges and setbacks can be opportunities too. These unforeseen circumstances give us a chance for creativity and lead and reimagine approaches that haven’t been explored before. Consider using the difficulties you and your team are facing to establish new methods and more robust structures. Refine your processes to be more adaptive to external pressures. You’ll come out more sustainable as a result.
Learn from your mistakes
Leading through the unknown means taking risks with incomplete data. And, no matter how hard we try, often the outcome is different than what we would have hoped. Take time to learn from the mistakes and missteps along the way and leverage your adaptability. Each of these experiences is a chance to better prepare you and your business for the future and create a more sustainable company and culture.
Cultivate an open mind
Focus on the destination when setting your goals rather than the path to get there. Leading through the unknown means accepting that you do not know everything but you can take time to imagine different scenarios and how you would approach each one. Lead with a mind open to possibilities as you face the ever-changing world situation and work to create a culture where people are encouraged to think outside of the box and ask questions along the way.
Build a foundation of trust within your organization
During times of uncertainty, it is important to remember that while everyone’s role may be different, each member of your team is feeling the pressure. Being vulnerable as a leader, giving your team hope for the future and establishing a foundation of trust and stability in the midst of uncertainty will not only ease your team’s internal anxieties but allow everyone to work better together to face whatever challenges are ahead.
Remember, this too will pass
You have probably heard the saying, “There is only one thing certain and that is that nothing is certain.” Every leader and business has faced adversity from market crashes to world events and more. None of these are forever. No matter what challenge you may be facing now or will come to face, it too will pass. With the right mindset and these helpful strategies, you and your business will be equipped for success and ready to handle whatever may come your way.
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Tags: Business advice for the mid-market, Leadership Development for Small Business, Leadership Development in New Jersey, Overcoming small business challenges, Strategic planning for small business