Business is different right now. The pandemic’s ongoing uncertainty is causing businesses to focus on the urgent fires rather than important long-term strategies that will allow companies to survive after this period of uncertainty.
The Harvard Business Journal recently published an article about “How to Lead When Your Team Is Exhausted — and You Are, Too” by Merete Wedell-Wedellsborg. Read the HBJ article here.
Even thriving companies are struggling right now with what is being referred to as ‘”pandemic fatigue,” “mental fog,” “work/life blur,” “extended vacuum,” and an “endless wait.”‘ It is affecting everyone from the top-performing executives to the work-from-home team.
Read more about how the ongoing pandemic is resulting in multiple types of stress.
The article does a fantastic job of addressing how the pandemic has led to multiple types of stress, leading us to the dangerous game of only seeing fires in work and life.
“One reason is our natural response to crises: We become short-sighted and push aside all that is not urgent. Once we have fixed what is urgent, we feel we deserve a good rest. In several of the top teams I currently advise, there is a tendency to either fail to see the coming challenges or to rationalize, “When Covid-19 is over, we will address the problem.”‘
Our workforce has been dealing with these feelings for most of the last year, and we are not creating a healthy environment or a productive one by staying short-sighted. Our teams need decisive action and strategic plans.
As the article states, even if the company is doing well, it does not mean that you cannot focus on the future. What steps can you make today that, over time, will make a significant impact on your future goals and objectives?
If you are only living in “the now”, will you be ready for the frenzy of activity when most Americans are vaccinated? Will you be ready for when consumer confidence and spending return to normal levels?
“Ask yourself and your teams: Are you doing all you can do to emerge from the crisis as a stronger company? The window for change may be closing, and the time to turn good intentions into action is now.”
Read more about Balancing Compassion and Containment.
Develop a task force to decide what you want your company to be after the current pandemic is over and beyond. “Take a good look at the battles that will meet you next year. How can you stay ahead of the curve? How can you prepare for the next stages? How can you mobilize and be able to attack before dawn?” Then develop a strategy and actions your team can embrace today to get you where you want to go. Give your team something to fight for rather than the daily fires that are draining them.
If you are ready to build a task force to move your company forward but are unsure how to get started with a plan or what actions to take, I can help. Contact me today for a free one-hour consultation. Creating a custom plan for your company’s specific needs is one of the many things Glover Strategic Marketing can help you achieve. There is no obligation and no pressure, just a frank discussion of your company’s needs and goals. You will finish the call with some concrete ideas for growing your company.