Bob Martel
December 23, 2020
Advice
See 2021 with 20/20 vision
By Bob Martel
These are the times that try men’s (and women’s) souls, as Thomas Paine so eloquently said in his 1776 paper, “The Crisis”. Applicable now, as then and in so many times hence, but in an unprecedented way in world history. In fact, the entire piece conveys a comforting message of hope, perseverance and determination to thrive.
Change. It is a constant, and one hell of a good teacher, especially in this crisis.
Whether the change is welcome or not, lessons are revealed both externally, in our family or work teams, and within ourselves. As we close out 2020, I wonder if you can embrace change in such a way you can begin to see 2021 with 20/20 vision, with greater optimism pray tell. Will you find a way to survive and thrive, or will you struggle to stay alive? Some of that fate lies within. You can choose to play a greater role in charting your business destiny in the year ahead, as you make change your teacher. You can continue to make good business decisions despite the fear. It’s called courageous leadership, and it’s essential, especially now. Everyone is counting on you for this. Adapt and overcome.
As a business owner, C-level executive, or director, how are you managing your ever-changing relationships with clients, vendors and employees, given the changes that are being thrust upon your company? How are you managing yourself through it all? Are you calm, relaxed and in control of your thoughts and emotions, with as level a head as possible and holding on to core values? Or have you surrendered to the chaos of it all, unable to see and think as clearly due to new stresses and challenges? Too many of the clients I see have been using alcohol to dull the impact of the stress, which only exacerbates the issues, clouds vision, and curbs resilience and determination.
On many common levels, we are all subjected to the same fears, uncertainty, and doubt. In the military, we called it the FUD factor, for fear, uncertainty and doubt. Preparing for the FUD factor meant developing the ability to adapt and overcome, and to optimally utilize your existing resources. We can make some assumption about the customers we serve, the vendors and contractors we rely upon, our employees, their employees and vendors, and the general malaise we are all experiencing due to COVID, politics, and economic uncertainty. Makes for an interesting transition to the new year, agree? While we wait for further unwelcome change, we do have the choice of embracing with greater awareness what needs to change within our purview, so any further negative impact is minimized. As I tell all my clients, learn to live hypnotically, in the present moment, focused on being excellent today. Resilience means accepting what is and staying empowered.
So, with all of that, let me ask you. As 2021 arrives and you plan for the first two quarters, what action steps are you taking to greet the new year?
Much is outside of our control, and much remains squarely within our sphere of control.
- What differentiates you in the marketplace? Why should anyone buy from you, or even work for your company? As the unwelcome change due to COVID chaos has changed the way we work, it’s important to hold onto (and revisit) core values. For some, it might mean changing to meet new customer demands, new buying models. If COVID has not taught important business lessons, or if the FUD factor does not have you clarifying your perceived marketing value, then now may be the time to strengthen (and communicate) your message. Your customers are expecting you to be resilient, resourceful, and responsive, and to continue to deliver the same high value they have enjoyed.
- Toxicity is a killer in the workplace. The culture of the organization, as it adapts to change, is crucially important. Every leader knows stomping out toxicity is a key to lasting success. How a business leader handles stress and anxiety in the workplace and in their personal life sets the example. Any toxic emotions, beliefs or behaviors exhibited by the leaders or employees need to be addressed promptly and consistently. Of course, strong leadership can render toxicity powerless and empower the staff.
- In her excellent new book, “Conflict at Work”, Dr. Paula Daoust offers a toolkit for managing emotions when stakes are high, and communication tends to break down. Displaying genuine emotional intelligence as a leader helps employees to increase their own feeling of calmness while preserving their confidence in the business, as they assess their own roles.
Indeed, Thomas Paine was right! This can be a trying time for business leaders, and equally for every employee, every customer (and their employees), and for family members all the way around. This is also a time for leaders to start a new journey, brave enough, courageous enough, and confident enough to show the path forward. Mindful self-compassion, a little attention to self-care, and some empathy and kindness go a long way.
Bob Martel is a professional hypnotist and enjoys the reputation as the “take back your life” coach, helping people to get unstuck, conquer fears, manage stress, eliminate anxiety and take themselves to new heights. Reach him at bob@bobmartel.com. Listen to his weekly radio show, Mind Magic, every Wednesday at 1 p.m. on WCRN 830 AM.
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