Preparing for business as un-usual

Put your own mask on first

So here we are; at the start of another year. And depending on how 2021 was for you and your business, and what you see ahead of you in 2022, this may or may not be an exciting prospect!

But whichever side of the line you may be on, the past couple of years have shown us that anything can happen at any time, so before you hit 2022 running, make sure you get yourself ready for business as un-usual. Start with what you do know Being forced to think differently fuels creativity. Take some time to identify and reflect on the challenges that your business overcame last year. For example, maybe you had to: • Downsize or scale up different parts of the business • Plan for and manage supply chain challenges • Move to an online sales model • Ensure your middle team leaders had guidance on how to support their teams • Support the needs of your staff to maintain engagement and stay focused and positive • Protect cash flow, monitoring expenses to ensure profitability. Think about the successes you enjoyed and/or the lessons learned as you navigated these challenges; they are likely to equip you for whatever may come next. As you do so, you may well notice a change in current priorities emerging or identify new possibilities or opportunities.

The reality of managing multiple challenges simultaneously

Another reality last year was the speed at which change came at us. It was fast and the way people cope with constantly shifting goal posts is different for everyone. How you adapt, and how quickly you readjust to manage change is what really matters. There is no question that the business disruptions we continue to face here are demanding. Maintaining the levers that feed your business while trying to help your staff not blow a valve from the continual uncertainty of dealing with Covid level requirements, or managing Zoom fatigue from having to work remotely and manage their home life - especially when things can change literally overnight - has been one of the greatest challenges. There is always more to do than there are hours in a day and being able to remain strategic in your approach is a critical factor to your success. You might already have some ideas of what you take forward or those you could drop, but if you are wondering where to start, here are some suggestions: As you plan, identify tasks that can be easily adapted to an online environment should we (again) go into lockdown. Consider how team structures and roles might change, and how people can shift their focus should they need to. Think about what you can do to ramp up the care you show for your customers? Are there new opportunities to support them that you didn’t have in place before? Think about what will make the greatest impact and help sustain your organisation, both in an operational sense and in terms of the wellbeing of your people.

Put your own oxygen mask on first

It’s very easy when you’re leading an organisation to focus solely on your team’s wellbeing and neglect to look after yourself. Remember, your greatest asset is your health and so I encourage you to protect it carefully. Unless you are at your best, how can you be the best possible leader for your team and your customers?

Be aware of the cognitive and emotional load you carry

I personally notice that when I’m feeling ‘under the pump’ and the more I let this continue unchecked the greater the risk to my decision making, my communication patterns and most importantly, my wellbeing. To avoid these pitfalls, make sure you consciously monitor the emotional and cognitive demands you are under. That way you can proactively put strategies in place to protect your wellbeing and balance. Here are some ways to help ease the pressure: • Find ways to help you prioritise - Your ability to prioritise can decrease when your head is full! Find ways to clear the mind, through physical exercise, or mental strategies such as meditation or mindfulness

• Use decision-making tools or processes

- If you find it hard to make decisions when under pressure, use a decision making tool or share the decision making process with your senior team • Ask a colleague to watch your manner - If you find your communication style changes when you’re stressed, for instance, you may raise your voice or change your tone, find someone on your team who you trust and ask them to give you feedback if and when this happens • Prioritise a good night’s sleep - If your sleep patterns change in any way, this is a sign that stress may be getting on top of you. Check on: light levels (including screens!) before bedtime, caffeine intake and what you are eating. If you have work worries, how about doing some reflection or journaling before going home, so you can unload the worries before leaving work - then put on some music you love! By identifying your triggers and putting strategies in place that work for you, you’ll become more resilient and effective at balancing all the various demands at peak times. As it begins, be mindful of how you want to be at the end of this year, and if you found yourself strung out and exhausted last year, make some positive changes to ensure you finish strongly. Remember - whatever challenges come at you, take a look back at what you’ve overcome so far and then put your own oxygen mask on first! CT

Think about the successes you enjoyed and/or the lessons learned as you navigated these challenges; they are likely to equip you for whatever may come next. As you do so, you may well notice a change in current priorities emerging or identify new possibilities or opportunities. “

Rob Clarke

Rob Clarke, CEO of Learning Architects