By Mike Heffner
We have all been placed in difficult situations these last few weeks. I had a mentor share with me the various phases that most people go through as a result of a crisis or grief. It normally starts with shock/denial and then pain/guilt. After that, we typically work through anger and experience a time of sad reflection. The next step is usually where the tide starts to turn, and we move out of our mood of depression. As you find clarity, you start finding solutions and ways to move forward. This seems to be the overall acceptance of the current reality. I am not sure what phase you are in now, but I am going to assume that you are in the acceptance phase and looking for next steps.
I truly feel that in every situation, there is a silver lining. I started a list of a few things to focus on as we all look to move forward.
Maximize the time: We can take this opportunity to do some things we have been putting off. What things need repaired, fixed or just cleaned up in your world?
Find a way to help others: What things can you do for a neighbor, friend or co-worker while continuing to practice social distancing?
Make time to interact: You may not be able to have coffee at Starbucks, but you can still have a coffee as you visit a co-worker, customer, or friend via Zoom, Skype, or Facetime.
Be understanding and vulnerable: We need to be understanding and flexible. We must be able to challenge each other and hold each other accountable. We need to be able to admit when we don’t know things. All of this is going to make us closer, more cohesive and better at communicating.
Keep moving forward: It’s important to have some structure and plans that include daily and weekly activity goals. Share success stories and celebrate wins! Remind your team of your values and be focused on moving forward. We need to find ways to grow, not just revenue, but personally and professionally.
Be willing to innovate and adjust the strategy: We are all trying new things and finding ways to get things done. As a leader, make sure it’s OK to fail. Your values shouldn’t change, but short-term strategies will.
This article is written by Mike Heffner, the owner of the local Greenwood Express Employment Professionals franchise. Contact Mike at mike.heffner@expresspros.com, @IndySouthMike on Twitter or visit www.expressindysouth.com.
