Leaders, Don’t Look Back. You’re Not Going That Way.
Who could’ve imagined we’d be here when we began 2020? I certainly didn’t. Our strategic plan looked very different than the reality of today. In fact, it is completely outdated and irrelevant. Sound familiar? As I look to the future and design for the new reality, I am grounded in three truths.
1. It’s Not Accidental: I didn’t arrive here by accident. My role at this moment in time is to step up and into something I never could have imagined navigating previously. Talk about growing my leadership and business skills. I have been tested on both a professional and personal level. I imagine you can probably relate.
As leaders, it’s important that we recognize we have a role to play. Perhaps in many ways, we’ve been handed a reset button. It’s up to us to decide what to do with it. Although business naturally ebbs and flows, this time it’s different. What we do at this inflection point truly matters.
2. Bigger & Better: The experiences over the past several months have made me realize I am called to challenge the status quo. I am driven by a sense of obligation to take action; to show up differently, to lead differently, to create differently. I choose the word ‘obligation’ intentionally. I believe when we have been impacted at a deep level, we are required to contribute our talents to disrupt old patterns that no longer serve us well.
Now is our time to improve and evolve as leaders, teams, and organizations. What does bigger and better look like to you? Is it that you will bring more empathy into your employee 1:1s? Will you speak up more against policies that don’t support your values and beliefs? Will you (finally) make that bold move you’ve been contemplating for years? Whatever it is, I hope you will be different than you were pre-2020 because we all need new perspectives to inform what comes next.
3. Don’t Look Back: There’s a quote that sits on my desk. It reads ‘don’t look back, you’re not going that way.’ It has served as motivation throughout my entrepreneurial ventures. It carries even more weight for me now, as I realize there is no turning back to pre-2020 “normal.”
Let’s face it. There was no playbook to help us navigate the level of complexity we are currently dealing with. However, this moment in time is calling us – begging us – to take a hard look at our beliefs, intentions, and actions, both individually and collectively. One thing we know is true – with uncertainty comes opportunity, if we choose to embrace it.
Most will agree, this is a challenging time for our human race. We have seen the good, bad, and ugly emerge amongst us. There are no easy or guaranteed answers to what is next. The only thing we can bet on is our innate desire to move forward, innovate, and evolve.
Some days it can feel like a lot. Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed by the possibilities because we need your insight, determination, and brilliance now more than ever. The next step you can take is simply a step forward. Choose one thing that feels right for you now and do it to the best of your ability. Over time, your capacity will increase, and your impact will be felt. I look forward to joining you on this journey to discovering what’s next.
