staying focused on what we can control

As we embark on a new year, I reflected on a question I got frequently last year. This question resonates deeply because it echoes fundamental wisdom that has guided our journey and allowed us to maintain a steady course in a dynamic marketplace where uncertainty and adversity have been constant companions.

“With all the disruptions, what is the one thing that has made the most difference since you joined the company?”

Adopting this elementary philosophy has helped us weather several storms, deliver a substantial Group transformation and will be paramount to continuing to achieve more sustainable success in the future for all stakeholders.

I believe that 'staying focused on what we can control' transcends different industries, geographies, and markets. It can serve as a guiding principle in any dynamic environment where geopolitical disruptions, economic headwinds and other unforeseen obstacles can derail the best laid plans and strategies.

Here are few reasons:

• Reducing distractions: Neuroscience teaches us that our brains are wired to thrive when focused on specific tasks within our control.

By filtering out noise in a world constantly inundated with distracting stimuli and concentrating on specific objectives and actions within our control, we will learn how to deliver more safely, enhance individual and team productivity, and foster a clearer path towards meaningful actions that drive and deliver visible progress.

• Becoming more effective: Performance surveys show that productivity improves when we focus our attention on SMART tasks that match our skills and competency.

Focusing on what we can control allows us to optimize and match resources and efforts to grow and make a difference. It fosters efficiency by directing attention towards the important and critical value-add activities, thereby improving personal and team productivity and achieving many goals more effectively.

• Making informed strategic decisions: Studies by behavioral economists underscore the significance of focusing on controllable information to make impactful decisions.

Focusing on factors within our influence empowers us to stay calm to make more informed and better strategic decisions. Instead of being anxious and reactive to external forces, we can become disciplined and more proactive in shaping outcomes based on deliberate choices and an intentional vision.

• Building resilience: Psychological research emphasizes the importance of focusing on factors within our control to build a resilient mindset.

Uncertainty is an inevitable part of business and life. Focusing on manageable aspects will help us cope with unpredictability to practice and cultivate resilience. Armed with a growth mindset, we can adjust our behaviors and action plans at work and at home to adapt, bounce back and thrive despite the circumstances.

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• Cultivating a Culture of Care: Organizational research has shown that psychological safety and empowering employees to focus on fulfilling customer needs with actionable goals within their control enhances purpose and fosters a positive culture of ownership, engagement and success.

A people-centric culture that emphasizes focusing on what can be controlled will breed positive empowerment. It encourages open communications, learning, collaboration, customer-centricity, autonomy, trust and innovation, all of which can propel individuals and organizations forward towards sustainable success.

This question serves as a good reminder of a foundational principle that has shaped our transformation journey so far despite hardship and disruption.

In my opinion, 'staying focused on what we can control' is a lesson in agility and adaptability, in building resilience and improving strategic thinking, and goes way beyond work titles and roles. This does not mean we should ignore external factors or pretend they don’t exist, but it is more about recognizing our capacity and ability to navigate adversity effectively to better shape our destiny despite them, and actively influence both our professional and personal lives.

A brutal truth for all to accept is that we have little to no control over many things that happen in business and in life.

On the personal front, and by managing our own thoughts, attitude, lingo, behaviors and actions, this same mantra could prove helpful in the new year as everyone tries to fulfil individual resolutions in order to change one or more aspects of our life, health, career, purpose, relationship or financial situation.

As always, readers are invited to share their insights and comments below.

Be safe and stay healthy.

Happy New year 2024! My best wishes to everyone.