Thriving in a World of Disruption and Complexity: The Power of Strategic Clarity, Communication, and Focus.
Juliana Azevedo
President of Global Home Care and P&G Professional at Procter & Gamble | Executive Sponsor Gender Equality | LinkedIn Top Voice | Member of the board of United Way Worldwide
Recently, I was asked which are the skills needed to thrive in a world characterized by continuous disruption and complexity. This made me reflect on the last months and I guarantee you, I did not have a single uneventful day. As a leader of a big organization, serving more than 660 million consumers in Latin America, I experience a very dynamic context firsthand.
To successfully navigate our daily challenges and steer our business and organization, I intentionally exercise strategic clarity, communication, and focus, as the pillars that enable us to rise above the chaos and forge a clear path. Let me explain why I feel so strongly about them:
1.????? Simple and Focused Strategy: In uncertain times, simplicity becomes our guiding light. We need strategies that are clear, concise, and actionable. By distilling complex challenges into simple and focused strategies, we create a framework that allows us to adapt and pivot while staying true to our north star. This strategic clarity lays the foundation for making informed decisions and driving impactful results. These strategies must also be dynamic by nature, enabling our organization to navigate multiple circumstances and contexts. As our former CEO and great leader AG Lafley once said, “the more confusing and complex the external context, the clearer and simpler leadership needs to be inside”.
2.????? Consistent Communication and Embracing the Power of Dialogue: I am deeply invested in my people, and each one achieving their full potential, and I really value the transformative power of empathy, true connection, and alignment.?By maintaining a clear vision and effectively communicating it, we instill confidence and build our collective purpose. Excellent communication and dialogue are imperative, understanding the "why, who, what, and how" is critical. I vividly recall a time when I faced the challenge of building a vision with a new team I was leading.
Despite efforts to clearly communicate the plans in Town Halls and team meetings, people were hesitant to engage in open conversation. Recognizing the digitally connected nature of the team, I decided to open and create more content on my social networks, to share my thoughts and allow my team to get to know me better. This endeavor in authentic communication proved to be an assertive decision, as it became a preferred channel for many P&G colleagues to connect, share experiences, and provide valuable insights.
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In today's fast-paced world, leaders must be attuned to their communication approach, particularly when engaging the younger generation. Gen Z craves authenticity, passion, and genuine connections. By embracing new communication channels and styles, while showcasing our authentic selves, we can inspire and become inspired in this great talent, fostering a culture of open dialogue and collaboration. We create appropriate messages for the new channels and then, carry on through the “traditional” methods. I confess I have not posted in Tiktok yet, but who knows… maybe I should!
3.????? The Role of Focused Leadership: Leaders can become the stable component amidst hectic and complex realities, we have the responsibility to provide direction, inspiring teams to stay centered and resilient, offering guidance and stability. We must show our organizations that some noises are distractions. Important to say that in my point of view focus does not mean rigidity. We need flexibility, iteration, and pivoting plans – having passion for the problem and not the solution. I believe that with focus and being intentionally present, we reduce stress and anxiety, creating space for creativity and innovation.
So, this was my answer, and I am eager to learn what is your approach to navigate volatility and complexity.
#Leadership #Communication #Authenticity #Disruption #Complexity
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Chemical Engineer | MBA in Project Management| Trainee
1 年What an impressive article!!! <3
Consultora | Mentora | Palestrante | Escritora | Soft Skills | Neurociências | Comportamento | Bem-Estar | Felicidade | Resiliência | Mindfulness | For?a Mental | Lideran?a | Team Building |
1 年Perfeito.
Global Account Director @ Mintel | Client Advisor | CPG Expert | Market Intelligence | Consumer Insights | Data Science, AI and Analytics | Pragmatic Optimist | Women in Business Mentor
1 年Juliana Azevedo, I really enjoyed reading this, especially about the simplicity and clarity in uncertain times. Couldn't agree more. Thanks for sharing and for always inspiring me ??????
Board Member / IBGC Certified Aeronautical Engineer - ITA Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica
1 年Juliana, Very good words for a time of fast changing, tons of available information. Forte abra?o
Sales Management Consulting
1 年Clear and Simple. Great 3-pillar approach to manage complexity.