It is clear today’s economy is not necessarily creating the best environment for businesses to thrive. Layoffs are happening, growth is slowing, sales quotas are not being met, and clients are reducing their spending. External challenges are real and some of these things are outside of our control.
What is in our control is our ATTITUDE toward adversity and challenges. During crises and times of difficulties like this, leaders will be revealed not made. Pressure and anxiety will reveal who we are. Are we going to let FEAR paralyze us from doing anything, or are we asking ourselves what can I do to improve or offset this situation? As humans, it is normal to have doubt about the future and recognize that there is no certainty about the outcomes of our actions. But controlling our attitude is the beginning of controlling our choices. And acting is a choice. And not doing anything is also a choice. Hoping everything gets better is not a good strategy.
Here is what I know when it comes to what turbulent times can teach us:
Respect is gained in difficult times. Anybody can lead when you have momentum and things are going well. Leading in times of turbulence, with more and bigger problems, is a different dynamic. The hardest part of being a leader is understanding what is going the wrong way, being able to stop it from going any further, turning it around, and the ability to start moving it in the right direction.
“Whenever you see a successful business, someone has made a courageous decision.”
— Peter Drucker
What do people need when they doubt? They need clarity, security, and encouragement. Believing in yourself is important when no one else is ready to believe. Leaders are responsible for communicating with clarity and most of all, encourage their people in times of doubt and help them realize what is possible. Leaders help define reality for others, they influence it heavily. If you don't believe me, think of a leader in history that led others during difficult times, Nelson Mandela? Abraham Lincoln?
You will become on the outside, what you believe on the inside. We cannot lead in a way that is inconsistent with what we believe. This is why winning is an inside job. Your attitude is the keeper of your mind. What you believe and think will drive your choices and actions, whether you are conscious of it or not. Attitude and habits separate successful people from those who fail.
Become Better. This quote from Jim Rohn summarizes my point:
“Don’t wish it was easier, wish you were better. Don’t wish for less problems, wish for more skills. Don’t wish for less challenge, wish for more wisdom.”
At Butler Street, we help you and your teams close the gap on the skills needed to acquire, practice to embrace those challenges, and proven repeatable processes for immediate and long-term success. First, determine the highest priority: sales, recruiting, account management or leadership training. Then, take action. We look forward to hearing from you.