30 Dec Things We Forgot in the Pandemic
If you feel like you’re slowly crawling your way to the end of the year like an exhausted runner to the finish line, you’re not alone. It has been one of the most challenging years we can remember, and we’re all exhausted. Like many people, you may feel ready to turn the page on 2020, but not quite up for year-end goals or New Year’s resolutions. If so, there’s still a way you can make a fresh start: Just remember what you already know.
Remember: Focus Brings Calm. So many leaders have reported that they’re working harder than ever yet feeling less productive. During times of upheaval, you might think you can and should do everything. But productivity doesn’t result from whipping yourself into a frenzy. When you feel stressed by circumstances outside of your control, start by slowing down – and focus on doing fewer things better.
Remember: Listening is Love. As leaders, we often talk too much and listen too little. This year, you may have retreated into yourself or reverted to behaviors that feel safe and familiar. But in this isolating pandemic, employees need to feel connected and cared for. Listening is one of the best ways to let them know they matter, and to create the psychological safety they need to do their best work.
Remember: Change is Good. Leaders are agents for change – seeking out opportunities to experiment, grow, innovate and improve. As the pandemic upended how we live, work, and do business, leaders were forced to change. As things begin to stabilize, it may take more courage to choose change. Smart leaders are working now to re-charge and be ready for opportunities in the next normal.
Remember: Progress has Power. In the meantime, we’ve got to make it through the next few months and come out in good shape. And that will take more than just hunkering down and riding it out. It’s almost like we’re at a stage where we’re bored with the pandemic – there’s just so much sameness to our days. So take a look around for signs of progress to highlight. Make sure every employee has meaningful work to do. Celebrate the wins, no matter how small. Build back your well of optimism.
During a crisis, it’s easy (and so very human) to act in ways we don’t intend. What leadership fundamentals do you already know? What would you like to bring back in the New Year?
With the New Year in sight, we at Tandem Partners want to thank you for your friendship and wish you good health, happiness, and much success in 2021.
Most leaders accept that at some time in the future, their time at the helm will end and the business will be given into the care of the next leader. However, just thinking about the transition can be daunting and overwhelming for the senior leader. If that weren’t enough, most owners experience their own succession just once. Tandem Partners provides the experience and professional guidance needed to move through the strategic, operational and interpersonal issues that are all a part of transition.
For families in business, success is not just measured in fiscal years, but over generations. Yet often, leaders are so focused on the day-to-day that they aren’t able to step back and focus on the issues that impact long-term sustainability. We help leadership teams assess where they are now, where they’re trying to go and how they’re going to get there. Our expertise in the areas of organizational strategy, structure, process and performance is a unique feature of our work, and integral to our transition management approach.
