The Look-Back

Do you ever think about where you were and what you were doing when the whole world shut down in March 2020? It’s something I’ve contemplated more recently because this Friday the REACH?? Mentoring Program is gearing up for an Expert Panel Discussion on Pre/Post COVID — Looking Back to Understand Here + Now.

One of my expert panelists had his first coaching session on March 17, 2020! Talk about intense timing, but the craziest thing is that he landed very quickly amongst the onslaught of layoffs that had begun. I am a naturally optimistic person. But even for me, it took leaning in and choosing to focus on the positives that could be seen amidst some strange and dark days.

It might help you to think through a few of the things I plan to ask the panelists… after all 2020 is the epitome of hindsight.

So here are the questions with my own reflections:

What was the most challenging aspect of the remote work scenario for you / your team / your company?

In my case, I was blessed that my business had been fully remote for two years before the pandemic hit the United States. What I did notice though was the toll this took on clients who had not been in the habit of all virtual meetings all the time. I also commiserated with colleagues at the networking events I leaned into so I could “be in touch” with others who were struggling. The lack of face-to-face time with people was especially tough for me. Any Ambiverts who lean Extrovert will know exactly what I mean.

If you could go back and do something differently as a leader in the last two years, what would that be?

I took a big risk that year to grow my business. The market showed a need for it. But I was unprepared for the saturation of “new competition” by those who suddenly found themselves unemployed from HR, Recruiting and other related industries and then attempted a career coaching side hustle. This wasn’t the only reason the growth efforts were challenged, but it was a primary one. In hindsight, I wish I had tuned in more to the council of the Director of Business Development I hired. He pointed out early that perhaps starting with just me and then growing incrementally would be the better approach. As a leader, sometimes you have to continue full steam ahead and press into the uncomfortable nature of growth. But my lesson learned was just because a plan was in motion didn’t mean we couldn’t stop, pivot, and adapt.

Do you agree that every company and all industries need to adopt hybrid or remote work for good?

No, I do not. It might seem obvious because there are industries where this is not possible, but the question remains to spark the dialogue. So much of what is being expressed or shared in my LinkedIn Feed is the great push for remote work. All industries can’t do this, and not everyone wants this. Referring back to personalities, some are wired for more human interaction and need that face-to-face time to succeed.

What is your biggest concern for moving forward?

This might blow your mind, but I don’t have one. I don’t have a spirit of fear, but rather of power, love, and a sound mind. I think it’s incredibly important for professionals to be mindful of what they take in and consume both from an actual food perspective as well as literary / news perspective. The capability for us as human beings to function well in what we have been called to do requires wholeness of mind, soul, and body. Things that perpetuate fear (like the news usually does) need to be turned off. Be aware but don’t live in fear.

The REACH?? Mentoring Program has extremely unique insights because of the powerful and rich experiences of both the Mentors and Mentees. RP4C is releasing a monthly exclusive newsletter with an inside look at this program, as well as actionable steps you can take in mentorship. If you’d like to subscribe to that, please visit https://www.rp4c.com/reach-mentoring-monthly-newsletter

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