Three Ways to Improve How Your Company Manages Uncertainty
While some celebrate the “end of the pandemic” and attempt to put it in the rearview mirror, disruptions as the result of the global shutdown continue to plague many leaders, organizations and industries. Supply chain issues, expensive goods, inflation, workforce shortage, and social turbulence are among the many issues that leaders continue to face. In the midst of dealing with these daily challenges, most of which are out of our control, there are quarterly and annual goals to meet, and stakeholders wanting results.
How do leaders achieve extraordinary results faced with uncertainty and change? There are specific actions leaders can take to create a positive impact on organizational culture, productivity and profits. The number one strategy leaders should focus on while navigating the ongoing effects of the pandemic is to COLLABORATE. Many leaders may think, “We’ve always done this well, so no need to fix what’s not broken.” The reality is, the engagement and alignment of the past isn’t enough anymore. Here are three strategies to level-up:
Narrow Your Priorities.
Now that people are back to work – many returning to new hybrid office work schedules – a tidal wave of initiatives have been put into place to make up for lost time and profits.
Smart leaders know they need to simplify and focus on the top 1-3 goals that will align all efforts company-wide, supporting innovative collaboration.
Create a Clear Vision.
All employees should be able to speak to their individual priorities and how their priorities fit into the organization’s goals. Everyone needs to be rowing in the same direction. To achieve this, transparency is key. Leaders must have open communication as to where the organization is and where it needs to go. They also need to be willing to answer questions about the vision with honesty, and encourage meaningful dialogue about what matters most and why. This will ensure that all employees are committed to the vision and see their place in it.
Pivot Quickly.
Organizations that are thriving in the current marketplace have one thing in common – they were able to pivot more quickly than their competitors. Leadership needs a dynamic process in place for success benchmarks. How do you measure? What do you do with the information once measured? How do you use that information to course correct? This process needs to become systematized and embedded, as opposed to a conversation that may/may not arise in the next leadership meeting.
When organizations are properly aligned in collaboration and coordination there is an upward spiral of momentum. There are more wins than losses, and the losses are viewed as opportunities to learn. Comradery is present, decreasing turnover. TRUST FLOURISHES. This is the type of organization that will thrive in a post-pandemic world. What do you need to change/adapt to get there?