Last week, we spoke about taking action … sometimes massive action, based upon your goal. We are all mountain hikers, and we know that apart from the opportunities, there will be challenges, stops, and starts all along the way. It’s rarely smooth sailing all the way up, or the way down, for that matter. Just like the real world!
Here’s why I said we’re all mountain hikers. Whether in your personal or professional life, any goal, opportunity, or challenge before you is like a mountain, and it certainly helps to know how to follow a map, be systematic and flexible too.
Sometimes, we get caught up in the momentum of our plans, all while heading in the wrong direction because we forget to pause, look at the now, and (maybe) redirect. Taking action is powerful. Necessary. But it needs, at times, to be tempered. We need to reflect and ask ourselves if the context has changed if the steps we need to take have changed and even if our chosen destination has changed!
When we are leading a team, we need to have the agility to make quick decisions and actions. Sometimes, we just must come to an abrupt halt, based upon what is before us. If necessary, we need to be able to turn on a dime and be ready to bring our teams along with us. Step 5, Realign With The Steps™, is a particularly powerful tool for leaders in this position.
And what does that require? It means that our leaders need to be aligned leaders, which includes being balanced, coherent, and resilient. You’ll need to communicate clearly and convincingly, particularly when faced with the stresses of change.
Your teams will look to you for support.
Realignment requires that you know how to adapt your plan (map) and course-correct with minimal disruption to your team, company, or family (because, yes, we are leaders in our families too). Learning to realign successfully is as critical a tool as knowing how to make a climb in the first place.
Here’s this week’s mission (if you choose to accept it): Determine what you may need to increase your ability to lead effectively especially when things go wrong; realign with the steps when necessary; and move more effortlessly up your mountains.
Keep your eyes on the summit!
