“When Life gives you Lemons… Opportunity Knocks!”

Change and challenge seem to be the normal mode of business. From pandemics to floods. Soaring interest rates to eye watering energy prices, all with a backdrop of an ever-looming recession. Some might be wondering when will this constant revolving door of disaster stop, or at least slow down, so that we can navigate a path trough.

In several sessions recently working with leaders, the burden of problem after problem is taking its toll on their energy and wellbeing. We know these things are outside our control and we just have to deal with them as they come, but it’s hard to stay positive in the face of what seems to be constant challenge.

What can we do to thrive, not just survive in the face of challenge?

Most leaders understand the only thing that is in our control is ourselves. Our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. But sometimes we need a little guidance and help, to get back on the path.

Humans have evolved to have strong protection mechanisms. Our brains are hard wired to look at challenges and assess them for threats, typically triggering our fight or flight response. But when hit with a barrage of almost daily challenge some of us are tired of fighting and running away just isn’t an option.

Our brains have a 9x greater propensity for negativity and this enables us to imagine all the possible worst-case scenarios so that we are prepared for anything, in fact 'over' prepared is how our brains want us. This is our protection response, and when triggered we start to focus on what is at risk, what we will lose and how we can save or defend it. Very useful when trying to avoid sabretooth tigers, not so helpful when trying to lead teams and organisations. This almost daily release of stress hormones is taking its toll with reported levels of anxiety, depression, and stress on the increase. Instead of operating constantly in our survival mode we need to trigger our ‘Thrive’ response instead. We need to build an Opportunities Mindset.

An Opportunity Mindset is not quite the same as a growth mindset or positive mindset. It is more purposeful, intentional and action orientated. It is a way of thinking that does not get overwhelmed in the face of challenge, and so breathes through the reactionary state to emerge in a receptive state. A place of seeking and exploring possibilities and opportunities. It is no longer just about ‘solving’ a problem – it is about finding the new and unexpected opportunities that lie within every problem. By seeking opportunities, it gives us back control in situations typically out of our control.

A simplistic example might be; In recessions and contracting markets – do we cut costs and overheads and bunker down, waiting for markets to bounce back – a protection response. Or seek opportunities to modernise with new technology, acquire struggling competitors or take market share by offering alternative products and services for the changing customer needs. Perhaps we expand into new markets that we were always too busy to explore.

A mindset shift from protection and scarcity, to seeking what might become and abundance.

But like all mindsets, an Opportunities Mindset can be built and developed. It’s not something you have, or don’t, it is something that can be nurtured into all of us. I see mindsets as ‘mental muscles’ that need to be flexed and strengthened regularly with repetitive action which results in a strong mindset.

Here are my 4 steps to building and maintaining an ‘Opportunity Mindset’ muscle:

Step #1: Neutralise the reaction.

Breath, (obvious, right?) but the difference between a reaction and a response is a breath, (or sometimes quite a few long, deep breaths!!). Then we are able to collect and review the facts in a more calm state.

Step #2: Fall in Love…

Fall in love with the problem, but don’t fixate on it! What I mean by this is explore it, understand it. What caused it, what are the knock-on effects. ‘Why’ questions are powerful here. But not judgement, blame or victim questions of Why us? Why now? - We are exploring for insights and discoveries to seek out the opportunities. Blame is a focus on the past, opportunities are all about possibilities and the future.

Step #3: Seek and ye shall find…

Now is the time to dial up the curiosity and turn it into creativity with ‘What if…’ questions. What if we automated our processes. What if we sold our raw materials/ingredients direct to customers and told them how to make the product. ‘What if…’ questions allow us to explore the opportunities in a way that ignites collective creativity. And once you start, they keep on coming and soon you will have a range of opportunities to choose from.

Step #4: Progress over Perfection…

Test things, try things and explore things. But whatever you do, act and bring it to life! Get it in front of customers early and quickly to learn and refine at speed. The longer it takes the more chance the challenge will morph, or others will capitalise on the opportunities before you. Perfection is not your friend!

Follow these 4 simple steps and opportunity won’t just be knocking, it’ll be pounding the door in!