3 Ways You Can Respond to Seismic Shifts
This isn’t the first seismic shift the world is experiencing. And it won’t be the last.
As I speak to and coach leaders, no matter where I am, the question I hear most often in the face of seismic shifts is “NOW WHAT? NOW WHAT?”
It is a question that carries the weight of visceral raw fear. Just as you adjust to one new normal, just around the corner another external tsunami-like shift is waiting to come with force and turn your world upside down. NOW WHAT?
Seismic shifts externally require seismic shifts internally.
They must happen IN YOU before they happen TO YOU.
What is a seismic shift? It is a dramatic, drastic change, a paradigm shift. It’s radical, like a rockslide or avalanche literally changing the landscape or like a tsunami obliterating all that came before.
These changes come in times of life whether you are making a big decision like university, career, marriage, moving, facing illness or loss, transition or when the world is turning upside down without your consent, like right now!
Here are 3 ways to respond to seismic shifts and the "now what?" question you may be asking:
1. Clarify your values and vision.
If you understand what drives you and where you are going, the culture will not have the power to define that for you. Be clear about you, your lane and your destination. There may be curves in the road but keep your eye on a strong finish.
2. Create the culture you want for yourself and others.
There’s no doubt that you are living in a world that is characterized by fear and anxiety. Push back by choosing compassion and believing the best of others even in the worst possible circumstances.
3. Commit.
85% of all change initiatives fail. To ensure your seismic shift sticks:
Stay in your lane.
Stay in your lane.
Stay in your lane.
Don’t look around at what everyone else is doing. This is your game, your time, your fight, your race, your dance, your work – given to you to do.
But even when you commit – you still have a choice.
You can leave the room before the party starts, give up in the green room just before you head to the platform, or just leave the building. Maybe you’re choosing to leave because you’re scared of success just as much as failure.
You can stay and give a little, make it look like you are contributing like you really do care about your people, but really you are withholding the best parts of yourself.
You can ignore everything and pretend this isn’t really happening. Bury your head in the sand and maybe it will all go away.
So commit to your commitment! Every day a landslide of external forces can hit you in the face. You shouldn’t be surprised – but you can be ready.
I believe in you!
Cathie