5 Lessons I Learnt As a Leader in 2020

2020 has been a tumultuous year, but we are happy to have come out of it stronger better, and more resilient. Around ten months ago, the world froze as every quarter of the globe went under lockdown. The entire system was under the pressure of collapsing. Though it took a while, eventually, we got in tune with the new ways. As human beings, we always learn how to adapt and evolve stronger. The Covid-19 pandemic has taught us countless lessons here are a few of them that I learned along the way.

 1. Reinforcement of an Intangible

In uncertain times, it is your faith in the higher power that keeps you moving on your path. It helped me manage myself better. I have lost many peers to the business disruptions – people left jobs, countries, and looked for safety in the world thrown about in a whirlpool. It was this time when my values and faith, were established more firmly guiding me through it all.

2. Transparency; company's strength

As Blue Ocean Global, we became more transparent with our employees over this year. Clear communication – both internally and externally, became the need of the hour.

Nobody knew what was happening and our employees were scared – of safety, of job security – our partners were scared of business security – therefore we ensured we were communicating all the time to build faith amongst teams and verticals.

We improved hygiene at an organizational level - we did expensive disinfection, enforced social distancing, regular temperature checks – which further increased company-wide confidence.

3. Adaptation is key

Slowing down was never an option. To prevent the dilution of strategic vision, we worked harder and stayed fixated on the goal-oriented approach. Quick thinking, problem-solving mindset, and prompt decision-making stood out as the prime qualities to keep up with the accelerated changes. The Health and hygiene of our employees were at the top of the priority list.

We continued to work 9 to 5. Our operations carried on wherever it was possible. We created an environment of growth, which helped us get new business. All this was leading to a more confident atmosphere. Every detail thoroughly inspected and proper sanitization maintained. In return, further established the faith of our employees in us.

4. Team Spirit

Instead of cutting down employees, we started training them, salaries not deducted either. These maneuvers provided job assurance to the workforce and bestowed them with the confidence to focus on their work. This helped increase company-wide confidence and the result? Our budget still met the mark because we started getting new business from new channels!

 5. Walk the Talk

It is crucial to reflect the kind of attitude you desire to see in your team members. You have to walk the talk yourself. Create an environment where people would want to work willingly and not just out of compulsion. Celebrate every little success and reward employees for hard work, loyalty, and dedication. It is essential to develop a reliable working culture and to be 100% true to commitments. Remember, reputation precedes you. Stay open to ideas, especially from young minds. The new generation is beaming with innovative insight and an offbeat outlook to deal with obstacles. Learning and admitting flaws is a vital element of growth and improvement.

So, what now should be our focus in 2021?

1.  Let's Kaizen

?Change for good. It includes every facet of living, from eating wholesome to regular physical and mental exercise. If we are not feeling healthy and happy, our performance will worsen. Spend a little time every day to unwind and consider the positive aspects of life.

2.  Happy Employees = Happy Customers

Not the other way round. Employees come first, always. If they are pleased and satisfied, the client will be the same. As long as the workers are comfortable in their work zone, the customer will be smiling.

3.  Be Technodexterous

Being tech-savvy is the need of the hour. 2020 has shown us how enormously dependent we are on technology. We need to train ourselves with technical know-how and develop a scientific and logical temperament of mind.

4.  Market Needs

When it is raining, sell umbrellas. Identify the market demand and supply your product accordingly. A regular, routine evaluation is necessary for a better understanding of business trends.

5.  Think Ahead

Stay at least a few steps ahead of your game. Orchestrate future actions with varying circumstances and keep a few tricks up your sleeves for an unexpected turn of events. It will help grow your business in an exponential order.