Where are the diapers?

Bryan Preston

Executive Business Coach & Consultant | Transforming Chaos into Success | Leadership Development | Business Growth Strategies | Operational Excellence

Often when we are in a position of having our routines disrupted and being stressed out, our thinking becomes clouded and our decision making becomes really bad. What parent can forget having a two-year-old up all night? The resulting loss of sleep impacts our ability to think clearly. The next morning, in a sleep deprived state, we might forget some very basic things like: Where are the diapers? Where are the bottles? Sounds impossible but is all too true for those who have experienced it.

Until I can get some clear thinking either through getting some rest or someone reminding me of some basic things like the diapers are always under the changing table, the bottles are always in cabinet, et al I can spend a lot of wasted time running around making some decisions that will end up frustrating me and everyone around me.

Leaders of companies can relate to the sleepless nights caused by the overnight impact of the pandemic on their employees and their business. As these leaders look to make decisions about their workforce in a post pandemic environment, it is important to look at some basic principles which can be found in their key documents: Business Strategy, Talent Philosophy, and Desired Culture. The first of these documents to help provide clarity is the Business Strategy.

Simply put, Business Strategy answers foundational questions such as: Why do we exist? What is our purpose? What is our mission, and vision? How do we satisfy our customers & key stakeholders? What differentiates us from our competition? Where do we want to be in 5 or more years?

The Business Strategy provides a framework for the company and helps it determine where its focus should be and just as importantly, where it shouldn’t be. Often, learning to say no to opportunities that will take a company off its course is more valuable in keeping everyone moving in the same direction toward the same goal.

The disruptions caused by the COVID pandemic are very real and there are valuable lessons to be learned from them. Companies that allocate resources to new opportunities that have been created by the pandemic will be those who outperform their competitors[1]. Leaders need to be bold and, at the same time, prudent in their approach to moving their businesses to these opportunities knowing the long game is critical to their success.

I am Bryan Preston, an executive business coach and consultant with a passion for transforming chaos into success for businesses in the tech, manufacturing, and financial services sectors. With over 35 years of experience, including time spent in C-suite roles, I specialize in enhancing leadership capabilities, driving business growth, and optimizing operational efficiency.

[email protected].

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[1]https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/strategy-and-corporate-finance/our-insights/how-to-put-your-money-where-your-strategy-is