Shadow of the Leader - What Shadow are you Casting?
We're living in interesting and challenging times aren't we? Probably the most challenging I can remember. Our whole way of life has been altered. We're having to adopt different approaches to work. Families have been parted. Some may have lost loved ones. Our ability to travel freely and access entertainment and leisure activities are being restricted. Our businesses (unless they are essential) closed down, trusted and loyal colleagues have been put on furlough. We've become prisoners in our own homes. Life is has hit the pause button!
A friend of mine posted a quote from Charles Darwin this morning which said:
‘It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change'.
A timely reminder indeed.
What we do when life is on pause will help us to be better prepared for when the play button is pressed at the end of this. Personally, I think we'll bypass play and go straight to fast forward, but that's just me.
Some years ago I delivered a management development programme to future leaders of a large business. These were people who, the company felt, had the ability to grow within the business. It was during this that I introduced them to the "Shadow of the Leader."
The Leader is the one who sets the pace within the business. Determines whether people within it will be engaged or not in what the business is trying to achieve. Influences people either positively or negatively within it. In simple terms, if the Leader comes to work in a bad mood then it's likely the business will be in a bad mood that day too! We've all had that experience haven't we at some point?
So, what can we do during the pause to cast our shadow as the Leader? This week I sent an email out to my clients which said:
"Nobody knows how long this will last but we can make use of the time available to:
· Develop and review those processes, we’ve either started looking at or discussed looking at
· Design and develop those training programmes we’ve spoken about
· Review and develop operational approaches and make the changes you want to make
· Develop those internal audits, that will make a difference to your business but that due to time we’ve not gotten to them
· Look at those new opportunities you’ve spoken about but due to work/time constraints have never gotten further than the piece of paper or the discussion
· Address those challenges that you feel hold you and your business back. You know those things that drive you mad. Normally little ones but with a big impact
How you spend the time now will make your life better when work restarts – and it will! Let’s get ahead of the game!"
My challenge to you is, what are you doing to get ahead of the game? How are you making sure that you're business is fit to restart? How have you engaged with your staff, even those you've sadly had to furlough, to make use of this time? What positive things can you do to ensure that your people are ready to return and maintain their morale in difficult times.
What have you learned from the first weeks of lock down and how can this be applied into your business moving forward? For me, Zoom has been great (I'd love to have shares in this now, as they've probably gone through the roof!). I can continue to have client meeting and discuss and resolve the issues above without them, or me, having to leave home. I've been able to bring my different networks together through weekly Zoom meetings and share good practice, effect introductions and, hopefully, enable them to create future opportunities.
The Leader is not just there for the good times when you can pat people on the back and say well done. What you do now is just as important to retain your people, keep them in the loop with your plans and make them feel they are just as important to your business now more than ever. How you rise to this challenge will show your people the type of person you are.
It's time to cast your shadow!