Two Camps
In turbulent times, there are both victims and victors. Which camp you fall into depends less on your circumstances, and more on your attitude and actions. To some, accepting that we control our destiny is liberating.
To others, the idea that we have responsibility for our satisfaction and success is deeply, deeply annoying.
While we may not like to readily admit it, being a victim is fun stuff. For, as victims, we can wallow in anger and resentment, burying feelings in a heap of ice-cream, nicotine, exercise or (insert your favorite distracter here) _____. As victims, we are not at fault but at the mercy of the economy, a boss, an ailing company, a family member, or (insert favorite villain here) ____. As victims, we run little risk of improving our circumstances.
If you want your circumstances to improve, you must abandon victimhood.
Switching Camps
It takes more than a sunny disposition to climb from an abyss as deep as the one you may feel like you’ve fallen into. Here are some steps you can take to hike your way to victory. If you lead others, engage in this work as a team for best results.
1. Establish (or re-establish) a Vision:
What matters? Why do you do what you do? What brings meaning to the work that you do? Without a vision to anchor us, our actions tend to lack direction and focus.
2. Take Stock of Your Strengths:
What differentiates you? What opportunities can you find in the market?
3. Cut the Fluff:
What can/must you stop doing? Say no to those activities that don’t move you toward your vision and delight your customers.
4. Create Products and Services that Delight Your Customers:
Those who do so will thrive. The Leaders of the Big 3 carmakers said they were victims of the economy: they did their jobs and created the products people wanted. What they should have been doing was creating products we didn’t know we wanted.
Nintendo didn’t create the Wii because of the pent up demand for virtual bowling in our living rooms. Apple didn’t imagine and create the iPod or iPhone based on user satisfaction surveys or buying trends. Victors don’t sit around waiting for the public to create their new business plan. Rather, they empathize, anticipate, and deliver. Then they do it again. No excuses.
5. Create a Plan:
Create realistic, achievable, stretch goals. Then delegate assignments based on team members’ strengths and passion. Ensure plans and action steps align with your compelling vision and are leading toward a delightful outcome for clients.
6. Retool:
Take time to improve your skills, knowledge, processes, habits, and relationships.
Lead by Example
Barack Obama has been asked by various interviewers if he has regrets about taking over a lemon of an economy. He responds that, for those who aspire to public service, there is no better time than this. For, turbulent times offer the greatest opportunity to make a positive, lasting difference in people’s lives.
While it sure was fun, coasting along blithely on the economic bubble that burst under some quite villainous actions, it’s no fun wallowing in the aftermath. We invite you to set aside your tub of Ben and Jerry’s and join us on a path to victory. Ok, you can still bring the ice cream.
By the way, victors are not villains. They do not rise to success on the backs of others. When we prevail brilliantly in turbulent times, we bring others with us by demonstrating courageous leadership.
Conversations for Brilliance
