And Now What?

Quite often, while sitting down with the Hall of Fame and World Champion former professional athletes that I work with do I hear the phrase - "I don't know" when asked the question - "And now what?"

Loss of income, loss of identity, and loss of direction are just a few of the challenges these legendary athletes face during their transition from pro sports.

But professional athletes are not the only people facing sudden change these days. Businesses, large and small, are facing some of the biggest changes in their history of existence and in order to adjust (and survive) leaders must be able to answer the question - "And now what?"

A recent conversation with entrepreneur Oskhar Pineda highlighted the importance of this key question as we all seek to be successful and remain relevant in an ever-changing world. I've grown to deeply respect Oskhar, not simply because of the success of his companies but because of the culture he builds within while maintaining an ability to continually lead answers to the question - "And now what?"

In order to remain significant in a quickly changing world, I've discovered from my work with transitioning professional athletes and highly-successful organizations that there are 5 Rules of Change.

These 5 Rules help clarify a direction while answering the question - "And now what?"

1. Refocus - in order to answer the question - "And now what?" we must first evaluate our current strategic plan and objectives, and evolve a new plan that is ahead of the current narrative. (if the world outside of your organization is changing substantially faster than inside, you're likely on a path of dissolve)
2. Use Your Network - once your newly laid plan is established, it's imperative to internally and externally tap into your network of people to help accomplish these objectives. I'm not talking about using and abusing people for your own gain, but to create win-win relationships with those internally and externally that can assist.
3. Let Go - no doubt, one of the most difficult aspects of the change process. Often, I hear - "that's just the way we've always done it." Letting go of successes and failures and certain ways of thinking is imperative to the healthy growth of an organization.
4. Execute the Plan - this is where the work comes in. Rarely is change a one-and-done process. We often need to plan, do, check, and adjust the plan when needed during this process.
5. Someone (mentor) - whether a professional athlete or multi-million dollar company, tapping into the wisdom of someone who is or has been where you want to be can accelerate the change process.

Implementing my 5 Rules of Change does not mean instant success, but it can help clarify and perhaps provide direction when facing the question - "And Now What?"