I am sure you like me have been really glad to at last see air traffic moving again and those first signs of spring, having lived through a really tough winter. Some warm sunlight and the daffodils to lift our spirits, thankfully knowing that summer is on its way. Likewise in business, many are desperate to see the Phoenix rise from the ashes or any indication of a heavy thaw of a deeply frozen economy. Standing by without doubt there is willingness, a kind of waiting for somebody, something to give us all permission to get moving and really work to build something of real value that is lasting, solid and meaningful.
Our foundation has been rocked to the core. Can you honestly believe what has happened to, of all things the banks? So much of what we have been taking for granted, we can no longer rely on. More and more, you and I have to fall back on our own resources.
When we look around, its easy to see how much surplus of unnecessary stuff exists that we no longer need. Perhaps, we really had too much, too much of everything. And for our over consumption of the meaningless, we are all paying too much, and now when push must come to shove we really don’t need all that additional baggage.
While we are willing to do whatever needs to be done, you have probably noticed something else. We have far too much demand on our time, too many emails, too many projects and too many items on our to-do lists until we are almost overwhelmed by it all. You probably need your staff or fellow team members to respond quicker, increasingly be more flexible, creative, willing to break down barriers and at all times be seen to collaborate, here there and everywhere.
Of course, you want to thrive in what surely is the dawn of the upturn. Yet in quiet moments, without anyone knowing, deep down you may just have a twinge of self doubt, even questioning your own abilities to deliver this time. All of us have had a bit of our confidence eroded away while we have stood on shaky ground for so long. And what if, old and no longer appropriate belief systems that drive behaviours and zap our energy supply are mismatched with what’s now required. Many people have at the back of their mind, however controlled, honest fears about security. Thoughts run like “Will my job be safe?” “How do I stay healthy and manage the stress of all this?” and “What about my family?”
So take heart, because it’s not only you, it’s also your colleagues, suppliers, customers…apparently everyone else around.
Given half a chance, the media seems to be reinforcing a negative viewpoint. And of course in the background there’s terrorism, wars, natural disasters, climate change and goodness knows what else.
Yet even with all of this, another part of you also knows that you can deliver. You did before, and you have the talent, skills and most of all the willingness. You know that you have great people around you too. This duality of self is really apparent, particularly at this time and surely that doubting, fearful part can serve a positive function. What if it can be leveraged to become an advantage? If you, your colleagues, and everyone else contributing to the economy were able to do the same, well….
A big part of you wants to say “Stuff it, I’m going for it!” wants to breakout to take risks , to drive on and upwards, to overcome that other part that seems to want to hold you back and stifle your creativity and efforts.
We all face internally and externally this duality of purpose. We know that when we find a really creative right brained entrepreneur and we ensure there is a strong FD by his or her side then things will happen. However, the entrepreneur needs to take the lead and initiate ideas and activity otherwise the accountant has nothing to count. In other words, both are critical.
So, what if the controlling risk averse and fearful side of our personalities actually serves a positive function? What if it’s possible to leverage it so it becomes an asset, not only for you but for all those critical to you moving forward? If we could have the wherewithal to realise all that is best in ourselves, to capitalise on our authentic selves and genuine strengths, to release our creativity and drive, then we can tackle anything as we begin to turn things around and rebuild that which will succeed and endure.
When we grasp this, and we’re actually able to apply tools and techniques, our mind opens up to thinking about new possibilities. We rediscover our sense of curiosity. We are more open to new ideas. We once again get in touch with our creative and intuitive powers, the very essence of the extraordinary entrepreneur.
The solutions and power to overcome this current economic climate lies within each of us, but only if we now finally accept that our life, our success, our wellbeing, wealth and security is our full and personal responsibility. Far too many organisations are still not flexible and open enough to deal with the current global crisis. So, those within organisations need to understand that the ownership of their career is their responsibility. They also need to learn to be more flexible and develop their own creative and intuitive powers.
Summer’s here! I hope you are taking advantage of the additional opportunities that you have to relax and access your creative right brain. Even when at work, commit to getting yourself outdoors during breaks – a little sunshine will give your energy levels a boost and you’ll be much more productive when you return to your post.