Change can be similar to playing a card game … you never know what you will be dealt. During each hand, you will face a new set of cards and a new challenge. In business, as soon as leaders think they have a grip on moving forward, external or internal forces may unexpectedly deal them a completely different hand. This can appear in many forms, such as labor shortages, cyber security challenges, workplace flexibility expectations and pandemic concerns. According to an article in McKinsey & Company, titled “Three Keys to a Resilient Post-pandemic Recovery,” “History shows that in times of disruption, resilience depends on adaptability and decisiveness.”
So how do we continue to move forward while uncertainty obstructs our path like heavy fog? In this article, I will pair the third stage of change, Rise Above, with the Change Proficiencies, “Possibility Focused” and “Choose Wisely.” These tools will give you insight into decisively choosing the best course of action and prioritizing tasks to achieve the desired results.
Rise Above: Third Stage of Change
During the Rise Above stage of the change process, your focus shifts. While you are still uncomfortable with unfamiliar circumstances, you are resolved to take charge of your situation. Whether the journey is switching careers or employment, starting, reopening, expanding a business or simply stepping more fully into your role as a leader, it will take courage. Your commitment to not just survive, but thrive, propels you forward.
As you proceed, you may sometimes wonder why you are challenged in an area where you had previously experienced victory. While there are times when you will be stuck, do not give up. Acknowledge all of your accomplishments, whether large or small. Each triumph brings you one step closer to mastering your change. The Change Proficiency “Possibility Focused” will assist by pin-pointing actions that will yield the best return on your investment of resources.
Change Proficiency: “Possibility Focused”
To be “Possibility Focused” is to explore opportunities and activities without being enticed to go off course or prolong the journey. As leaders — whether of self, one or many — you recognize the need to efficiently apply your finances, time and other resources. New circumstances may have introduced additional responsibilities and pathways that you must navigate. If you do not readjust to identify and target the best course of action, you may be productive but fail to accomplish the most important tasks that move you closer to your ultimate destination. The “Possibility Focused” tool provides the guidelines to discern when and how to apply your resources.
To successfully allocate your assets, staff and time, your purpose must be “top of mind.” It should be infused into your thoughts, similarly to how some actions in your life are on autopilot. Every day should start with an assessment of where you are in relation to your purpose, resources and timeline and what you should complete that day. Some changes might require shifting certain activities or deadlines to meet new priorities.
You may have to move beyond your comfort zone or substitute tasks that you enjoy with those that yield more immediate outcomes. Choose “bridge” activities that shorten the gap between where you are and where you need to be. For example, suppose you face rapidly approaching revenue deadlines. In that case, focusing on outreach and closing deals should replace other efforts like upgrades to your website unless you are dependent on online sales to close the gap. How do you make those tough decisions? The second tool, “Choose Wisely,” helps you analyze and reprioritize or eliminate tasks that can steal valuable time.
Change Proficiency: “Choose Wisely”
It is critical to remind yourself that “saying yes means saying no,” especially when immersed in new or different professional circumstances. For every choice you make, there are consequences. Saying yes without consciously recognizing and acknowledging what you are saying no to is similar to stepping into quicksand. Even though it might not initially seem like a problem, repeatedly cramming too much into a fixed time frame can cause you, in the long run, to mentally, emotionally and physically sink. Activities may take longer than you think. Have you ever found yourself cling- ing to old ways of doing things while adapting to new circumstances?
Before deciding how you will proceed, long-term, short-term and daily decisions must be considered, while keeping in mind your new situation. Two areas in which your choices could jeopardize your primary goal are deciding whether to pursue new projects or accept non-mandatory assignments. Resisting the urge to automatically say yes, whether professionally or personally, may be difficult — but it will help you decline opportunities or tasks that will strain your resources.
It takes courage to commit to thrive in a climate of change and uncertainty. To become more resilient, use the “Possibility Focused” tool to obtain the clarity to adapt to specific pursuits that align with your purpose. Yes, there are always particular circumstances you must honor that require quick responses and may wreak havoc on your schedule. Still, when you use the tool “Choose Wisely,” you can decisively respond to requests in a manner that supports your ultimate goals.
Donna Johnson-Klonsky, MBA, PCC
DJ Consulting Services, Inc.
East Fishkill, New York 12533
djohnson@djcsfirm.com
(845)447-1037
