ARTICLE: When in Doubt – Always Ask a 'Who' Question

As restrictions across the UAE start to ease and we are slowly starting to re-integrate employees back into the office (under stringent safety measures), I am reflecting on the past few months and how we managed to navigate, upskill and pivot so quickly to virtual solutions.  

As many of you know, we have built solid relationships with fantastic and award-winning partners around the world, and with their support, insights and guidance throughout this crisis; we have been able to develop the confidence and perseverance to get through our struggles together. 

But how? Well, reading Jim Collins book 'From Good to Great' many years ago, inspired me to adopt the concept of having a council. In his own words, the definition of a council is:

'a critical group of people infused with a few brutal facts who argue and debate, trying to make sense and maybe make some decisions and autopsying those decisions'   

I've been fortunate enough to have a few 'councils' with various of our partners. These one-hour weekly zoom conversations, with like-minded CEOs, who are facing the same challenges (albeit in different geographies), have been invaluable to me. This situation reminded me of another piece of Jim Collins sound advice—always ask a WHO question first. When faced with challenges, please don't spend time on 'what to do' or 'how to do it'. Instead, ask who should I speak to?     

Each council meeting has provided me with new insights, ideas, and opportunities to be honest about my challenges, without the fear of being judged. If like me, you are struggling with the tough decisions you need to take at the top of the business, ask who could be on your council and check in with them weekly.  

It is with these partners that we were able to launch our exciting initiative to 'GIVE BACK' by donating 100 free VILT sessions to our long-standing clients. Thank you very much Liz Wiseman, The Ken Blanchard Companies, ExperiencePoint, VitalSmarts and Catalyst Global. If you want to find out more, you can read all about how this exciting initiative came to fruition here.   

On a finishing note, as we slowly return to some form of normality (in both our professional and personal lives), I can't thank Biz Group's long-standing clients enough. Without you, it would have been so much harder to navigate through these tough times. Just remember, we always have your back too! 

~ I want to hear from you! What strategies have you used to navigate the last few months? Whom have you spoken to? Let me know in the comments. Thank you! ~  

Hazel Jackson - CEO of Biz Group (www.learningwithbiz.com)