YOU DON’T WANT TO GO BACK

Embrace the Future and Keep Moving Forward

Nostalgia can be a trickster. It tells us that things were better in the past—easier, simpler, all sunshine, and four-leaf clovers. It convinces us that everything will be better once we get back to how things used to be. But here’s the truth: nostalgia is wrong.

We can’t go back. And we shouldn’t want to.

Unless you've got a time machine hidden in your garage (in which case, let me know—I have a proposition for you), the past is gone. More importantly, you're not the same person you were then. We've navigated some tough challenges, made hard decisions, and learned invaluable lessons along the way. We've witnessed careers and businesses being reshaped by unexpected shifts.

It's easy to feel like we're barely hanging on. With each day, it feels like another layer of chaos gets added to the mix. Many of us have been holding our breath since at least April, just trying to make it through the next hurdle.

But instead of focusing on surviving the turbulence, let’s recognize what we’ve accomplished in spite of it. Most importantly, let’s prepare to keep marching forward.

How Do You Keep Winning Forward?

1. Don’t Settle for “Good.” In a world still reeling from uncertainty, “good” won’t cut it. The markets have been unpredictable, and your team has faced a lot of stress. But there’s potential for growth in adversity—give your employees the opportunity to rise to the occasion, even if they’re unsure of their own abilities.

2. Don’t Relax Yet. Your team is tired—but that doesn’t mean it's time to kick back. Breaks might be hard to come by, but hopefully they’ll get some time to recharge during the holidays. When January rolls around, it’s crucial that your people are ready to hit the ground running. Be ready to cascade your strategic plans down through the whole company as soon as the new year begins.

3. Don’t Fear the Unknown. The pandemic taught us that pivots are often impossible to forecast. But that lesson doesn’t have to paralyze us. Take that uncertainty in stride. Set your Focus Areas. Develop your goals. And most importantly: Execute.

4. Do Prepare to Pivot. Flexibility is key. The Focus Areas and goals that you’ve set today may need to evolve throughout the year. Don’t just set it and forget it—managers should meet with their team members at least quarterly to review progress and make any necessary adjustments. Those regular check-ins are vital for staying on track.

5. Do Give Yourself Quality Tools. My grandpa used to say that half of doing a good job was having the right tools. Without them, things can get messy, time is wasted, and resources are drained. Your employees deserve the tools they need to succeed. And one of the most valuable tools isn’t something you can find on a shelf—it’s the mind. You have talented employees who are ready to learn and grow. Help them sharpen those skills.

6. Do Start (or Keep) Coaching. Even if you're not using Catalytic Coaching, implementing a coaching system can lead to increased productivity, engagement, and investment from your employees. A strong coaching framework guides performance management, empowers employees to take ownership of their progress, and ensures continuous development.

For companies that are committed to coaching, it's essential to have dedicated Coach2s—people who are trained to teach managers how to coach their teams effectively, support strategic initiatives, and ensure the coaching process remains fresh and impactful. Certified through the Mastery Program developed by Gary Markle, these professionals are key to driving sustained success.