Over the past 5 years I have seen measurable change in people I thought were strong and resilient.

The effects of economic uncertainty, political change, COVID 19 and the challenges of schooling kids at home have impacted people’s mental wellbeing and since of security.

The pandemic forced many of us to embrace unexpected change and contemplate career goals as businesses struggled to manage tumultuous times with clarity and conviction.

The idea of a “new normal” really hasn’t arrived as the lingering effects of new variants, political posturing and polarized perspectives create tenuous dynamics in our professional and personal relationships.

On a positive note, more new businesses than ever have sprung up in response to these unsettling times.

Sometimes people just need a nudge to be bold enough to pursue their dreams. How many will succeed, that’s yet to be determined.

Regardless of whether you’re leading people or simply just trying to get your professional life on track, it’s time to reassess our mindset.

When people become overwhelmed with unexpected change, it’s often because they lack perspective on embracing change as an opportunity to grow.

When we are preoccupied with stumbling through the chaos, we don’t look ahead and navigate change by focusing on long term opportunities.

Like everything in life, a simple mindshift can alter our energy and redirect our focus toward creating solutions instead of obsessing over the limitations of obstacles outside our control.

It reminds me of the story of a college professor who surprised his students with an unexpected quiz.

He handed out the exam face down and told the students to turn the paper over and write about what they saw.

To the student’s amazement, there was nothing on the paper except a black dot.

After collecting all the papers, the professor read the answers out loud.

Every single student focused on describing the black dot.

The professor explained this is precisely what happens to most people in life. They focus on the black dot and miss the opportunity to appreciate their blessings, notice possibilities and be creative instead of being blinded by the impediment.

"Blessed are the flexible , for they shall not be bent out of shape."

--MICHAEL MCGRIFFY M.D.

LEADERS CAN DO 3 THINGS TO BE STRONG DURING UNCERTAINTY:

01. SELF APPRAISAL

Most companies are focused on systems, strategies, management, and processes, they seldom focus on leadership's mindset. If leaders aren’t confident, determined, clear, communicating well and articulating a vision, all the systems in the world won’t help. It’s like speeding up when we’re heading in the wrong direction. Leaders must do deep assessments during tough times and make sure their mind is right and offer the guidance people desperately crave during difficult times.

02.REALIGN

Many leaders wrestle with ego and lack the emotional insight required to realign their relationship with control. They seek to control people and manipulate outcomes to their satisfaction. Great leaders understand clarity of vision requires letting go of the need to control the outcomes. They remain clear in their vision, but flexible in their response to unexpected changes. They also rely on their people to offer insight that can help the organization finesse through challenging times. When energy is focused on executing a common vision, being creative, flexible, and agile, less energy is expended on attempting to control every outcome.

"Stay committed to your decisions but stay flexible in your approach."

-- TONY ROBBINS

03. MOBILIZE

One thing is for sure; change is inevitable. Attrition, setbacks, unexpected challenges, and personality conflicts will emerge. Great companies know how to adapt and make modifications that don’t impact momentum and encourage a growth mindset. Once again, great leaders mentor their teams and teach them valuable tools that help them remain agile during difficult times. When our teams operate with confidence because they understand the long-term vision, they get less flustered when obstacles arise along the journey.

"Remain flexible, life is forever changing."

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