Most business are dealing with significant change and uncertainty this year. It’s difficult for leaders to navigate this new reality while maintaining stability and vision. It’s easy to lose sight of the target and to veer off track when we’re overwhelmed and unsure of what lies ahead. The key, in times like these, is to stay grounded (which we discussed in our February newsletter) and to to act with intention.
Here are three tips to help you do just that:
1. Practice active listening. Listening and hearing are two different things. Active listening requires us to intentionally focus on what the other person is saying, not eagerly rehearse our own response. Aim for understanding by using the phrase, “Tell me more about that.” When people feel understood, they are more willing to hear what you have to say.
2. Pause to consider your why. Author, speaker, and business leader Simon Sinek wrote a book titled, Start with Why (the 15th anniversary edition comes out in May). When we take a moment to remember why we’re doing the things we do, why our company is headed in a particular direction, and why our individual tasks contribute to the larger vision, we become more intentional about our work. Sinek offers a “Simple Exercise for Finding Your Why” if you want to delve deeper.
3. Build an intentional schedule. It’s easy to let the demands of the day run away with us, but when we intentionally prioritize the most important events, we have a better shot at accomplishing them. There will always be surprises that throw us off, but when we create a schedule in advance that allows time for what matters most, we accomplish more meaningful work.
Change, uncertainty, and the resulting pressure we feel are inevitable. By being more intentional, we learn to not only survive under the weight of it, but to thrive and move forward.
Our team of coaches is here to help you stay on track and build the skill of intentionality. Contact us to find out how.