Leaders are believers. Leaders are connectors too. Leaders believe in their vision, define a purpose that makes us money and gives our lives meaning, and have a well thought out process for moving directionally toward the target. AND, leaders ask the very best questions. Collectively, we uncover the best way forward.
What are the questions you are focused on today?
I hear a lot of my family, friends, and especially clients asking a couple ones NOW more than any other. Here’s a couple.
When will this economic “disaster” end?
What are the “right” indicators that we’ve hit bottom?
I would like to propose that those are the absolute wrong questions. Here’s a couple that might improve performance regardless of “when the end” or “how low we may go.” Tee these up with your team the next time you are at practice. You are practicing, aren’t you?
What are we learning in this current disaster that we can build upon?
Remember St. Augustine: “This awful catastrophe is not the end but the beginning. History does not end so. It is the way it’s chapters open.”
What are we doing to better prepare for the next disaster, the next storm, the next disruptive technology, the next change to our market, our model, and our way of doing business?
Remember: There is never a “good time” to prepare.
What are we doing to build TRUST, especially with our front line troops since they are our best “early warning system” for the next disaster?
Remember: Amanda Ripley in her book, The Unthinkable. “In fact, as in most disasters, the vast majority of rescues were done by ordinary folks.”
Turbulence is our reality. Stop hoping for smoother air ahead. Call a huddle. Actually, commit to regular huddles with your team. Ask better questions. Prepare yourself and the team for more turbulence. Remember that out of these times, those that survive emerge stronger. Huddle with the front line associates more than ever and ask for their help. AND, when you have bad news to deliver give it to them straight. And maybe, just maybe they’ll return the favor.
Remember: Most companies are rescued by their front line workers, the bottom line if you will. NOT by slowly cutting and myopically focusing on your “bottom” line.
What are your very best questions, NOW?
Tell me more…
BUILT TO LEAD 