How to Lead Under Pressure ?
Proposal season is in full swing. ????
That's why, in this edition of The Shortlist, we're tackling proposal pressure head-on with a brand-new Insider interview series. In this issue, we explore how you can keep your cool, stay organized, and motivate your team to meet those tight timelines. Let's get into it…
?? Insider Interview: Helpful tips to lead under pressure.
?? RFP Reading: Become a "supercommunicator".
??? Insider Take: 3 hacks to power through procrastination.
?? Crossword: Can you solve this month's puzzle?
INSIDER INTERVIEW ??
Learning How to Lead Under Pressure
Is there anything more stressful than waiting for edits to come back at 11:55 a.m. when an RFP is due at 12:00 p.m.? ?? Between managing multiple versions of a document, nudging SMEs, and staying on top of tight timelines—the pressure of proposals can get to the best of us. That's why Lucie's team built a proactive response process. Here's how it works.
1 . Build a Strong Foundation of Content: Instead of starting from scratch when you receive a new RFP, use the great content you already have. With an up-to-date and accurate content library, you can identify information gaps and engage SMEs early. Being prepared to do that on day one will save everyone time (and headaches).
2. Never Skip a Launch Meeting: At the beginning of every RFP project, my team holds a "launch meeting" so that all stakeholders are on the same page with key details such as:
This initial kick-off ensures everyone approaches the RFP with the same level of focus and most importantly—consistency in messaging. ??
3. Communicate Constantly: On top of launch meetings, I'm in constant communication with my team via chats, formal check-ins, and quick status update huddles. From a management perspective, it's essential to know what is in our pipeline and our progress so that we can manage bandwidth and avoid surprises.
For more tactical tips for leading under pressure, watch Lucie's full interview ?
RFP READING
Four habits to talk the talk (literally) and create meaningful connections.
From providing no proof to using buzzwords, what would you add to the list?
领英推荐
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Join Response Insiders to access the Slack community and check out Peter’s post in the #jobs channel for a new opening at Lark Health.
INSIDER TAKE
3 Hacks to Power Through Procrastination
1. List your must-dos only. Writing your tasks on paper can clear your brain fog and help you focus on what needs to be done immediately. ?? It’s a quick and effective way to prioritize your responsibilities. (That said, don’t clutter up your list with ‘nice-to-haves’.)
2. Plan tomorrow, today. I schedule time for everything in my calendar, and I mean everything. Personally, I love to time block for brainstorming, writing, editing, and other small tasks. Adding focus blocks means you don’t have to context switch, so it’s easy to get into deep work.
??Insider Tip: If you haven't already read Cal Newport's book, Deep Work, I highly recommend it.
3. Celebrate your accomplishments. Finishing your to-do list feels great, so bask in it. Celebrate your wins (big or small) with a coffee break, or an episode of your favorite show. You earned it. ??
Nicole Robinson, Bid Management Expert | LinkedIn
BRAIN BREAK
Can you solve this month’s crossword?
And that's a wrap on this jam-packed edition of The Shortlist.
See you in May. ??
Chey Lobo
Currently listening to: Here Comes the Sun - The Beatles
P.S. Want to be featured in the next Shortlist? ?? Apply to be a contributor→