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2 minute read
As senior leaders, we pride ourselves on our strategic foresight and meticulous planning. We map out our goals, allocate resources, and set timelines, striving for predictable and consistent progress. However, the reality of leadership is that the unexpected is, well, to be expected!
Whether it’s a sudden market shift, a technological disruption, a natural disaster, a political ruckus, or another type of unforeseen crisis, how we respond to these curveballs can significantly impact our success.
In my experience, dealing effectively with the unexpected isn’t about preventing it (because, let’s face it, you can’t predict everything). It’s about having strategies and tools in place to navigate uncertainty with confidence and agility.
The calm after the storm:
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Take a Breath: Our initial reaction to the unexpected can often be emotional. It's crucial to pause, take a deep breath, and allow yourself a moment to process before reacting. This simple act can prevent knee-jerk decisions that you might later regret. Neuroscience tells us that this pause can help shift us from our amygdala-driven emotional response to a more considered prefrontal cortex response.
Outcome = event + reaction + response
You have no or little control over the event, and your reaction is a non-discretionary (automatic) but short lived emotional situation that takes about 5 - 10 seconds to subside. Your response is discretionary (deliberate) and is based on what you do, this is the bit you can control.
- Build Resilience: Developing resilience is crucial for navigating the ups and downs of leadership. Focus on building your mental and emotional strength and foster a culture of resilience within your team. Learn how to bend with the wind rather than break in the storm. Resilience is very different to resistance!
Learn and adjust:
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Gather Information: Before making any decisions, ensure you have a clear understanding of the situation. Ask questions, seek data, and get input from your team. The more informed you are, the better equipped you'll be to handle the unexpected.
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Assess the Impact: Determine the potential consequences of the unexpected event. How will it affect your goals, your team, and the organisation as a whole? An impact assessment will help you prioritise your response and allocate resources effectively.
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Prioritise and Focus: In the face of the unexpected, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Identify the most critical aspects of the situation and focus your energy on addressing those first. Avoid getting bogged down in minor details.
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Be Flexible and Adaptable: The unexpected often requires us to deviate from our plans. Be prepared to adjust your strategies, modify your goals, and embrace change. Adaptability is a key leadership trait in navigating uncertainty. As Charles Darwin said, "It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.”
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Look for Opportunities: Even in the midst of a crisis, there can be opportunities for growth and innovation. Challenge yourself to find the silver lining and leverage the unexpected to drive positive change.
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Learn and Improve: After dealing with an unexpected event, take the time to reflect on what happened, how you responded, and what you can learn from the experience. This process of continuous improvement will better prepare you for future challenges.
Communicate, communicate, communicate:
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Communicate Clearly: Keep your team, stakeholders, and other relevant parties informed. Clear and transparent communication can help manage anxiety, build trust, and ensure everyone is aligned.
Dealing with the unexpected is an inevitable part of leadership. Implementing these strategies can enhance your ability to navigate uncertainty, minimise disruptions, and turn challenges into opportunities for growth. Remember, it's not about avoiding the storm but about learning to dance in the rain. Be flexible and respond to events and circumstances, this will allow you to continue to grow and thrive in any environment.