It’s time to make the critical shift from leading the business by yourself to leading an organization of people. At P2Excellence, we help you navigate the uncharted territories of organizational growth with clarity and confidence.
The pandemic and our response-time seemed to move slowly. And then all of a sudden, it felt – to me at least – like we were turning the corner quickly. While at the same time, we weren’t quite sure what we were turning towards. Big events cause big disruptions, even when it feels like the worst is behind us. In many ways, we seem no less prepared to enter into a post-pandemic workplace / life-space than we were when we were asked to quarantine for 14 days to flatten the curve. Maybe starting is harder than stopping.
SHRM – the Society of Human Resources Management – reports that 50% of workers are considering or actively seeking new employment. Every client I speak with is faced with unexpected openings. The WSJ reported last week that reigniting friendships is proving to be tricky, and another WSJ article discussed the challenges of planning something as innocuous as child play-dates when we have competing philosophies. It’s a tricky time. Emotions are running high. It seems we spent the last year “suppressing our feelings” so we could keep functioning and now as we open back up, we don’t know what to do with our reactions.
The first thing to do is to breathe. Deep breaths. Hopefully, outside. Feel your lungs expand. No masks for this exercise, please. Look up and look around. It’s a beautiful season. Try to relax.
Bosses, please think holistically. You have managed through tremendously complex situations this year. I’m proud of you. We have made it out of the boat, but we haven’t made it to shore. Hang on. Help your teams adjust.
Employees, you may choose to stay, or you may choose to leave. I’m simply asking you to recognize it’s a volatile and emotional time. G.R.O.W. is always a good model.
- What’s the goal?
- What are your current realities – good and bad. Is your thinking accurate? Might there be a different version of the story?
- What options do you have? Think big and broad, and then prioritize.
- And finally, what is the way forward (the action step)?
Anne Warren and I have written again about networking, but with new and useful insights. The truth is – networking is critical to your success. Networking will help you find your next employee, your next promotion and/or your next job. Either directly or indirectly. Who do you need to know to achieve your next step?
Shawn Devine shares how to have employee engagement conversations. We hope you will begin having these discussions today!
If you are one of the 50% of employees considering change, be sure to read Lisa Moore’s ideas on how to prepare your plan.
AND REMEMBER always, if we can be of service, please don’t hesitate to contact us. With the use of masks diminishing, I look forward to seeing many of you face to face!
