From where this Post is written, a plume of smoke from another Colorado fire is visible. These are heart-breaking times: Hundreds of homes are gone, lives are lost or forever changed…and sadly, the “end” seems months away.
We have a choice in our response.
Heroes are being recognized. Miracles are being claimed (lives of people and animals saved). Compassion is exhibited. And the identification of what we’re already learning is being spoken.
Fires happen. Crisis and disasters occur. In business, if we are to do tomorrow what we’re not doing today (if we’re going to succeed), “fires” or unplanned calamities are natural. Yet, what’s the difference between a team that gets sucked into perpetual “fire-fighting” mode – and those teams who use each crisis to get stronger?
To prepare for tomorrow, it’s worth asking the team today:
1) In what ways are we functioning now that strengthens us for unforeseen challenges?
2) Considering the “fire” we’re currently facing…what do we do to ensure we’re stronger because of it?
3) Despite the circumstances, why is it important for us to still realize and activate our potential?
4) Given what we’re going through as a business, what does it look like for us to heal as a team moving forward?
This writing, with its metaphor, is respectfully submitted. Our hearts are with those around the world whose lives are being changed. We’re with you.
Share your answers to the questions above — and comments — below so other leaders can be inspired by your thoughts.
I use to live in Colorado and watching this devastation is heartbreaking. This post has helped me to put the entire event(s)in perspective. Like life, family and work, “stuff happens” and you were not expecting it. Taking the forward focused approach and looking at these types of events in “Degrees of Strength” has me considering the benefits that will come.
It is impossible to replace things you lose in these tragic events, just like it is impossible to live in the past at home or at work. We must move on. Learn from, respect and honor the past, then, build the future.
Perfect timing from the Verus Global Team!
LEAD ON!!!!!!
Rich, i want to thank you for your comment. You just made our post even more user friendly and valuable. Your words are wise my friend! Steve
Too often its Crisis like the current fires in Colorado that allows people to perform in a manner they would never have dreamed of. It could be a simple as showing compassion to some one you never knew or helping a family in need or put your life on the line trying to save someones home etc. Some of us are not aware of our strengths until we come face to face with unforeseen challenges. All we need to do is look around us and realize the potential is there. Circumstances change people change they become stronger. Teams or the same way, or we not one large team working together to get through live fighting fires every step of the way? I believe for a Team to improve it should be challenged this is the trigger that activates the potential in each of us.
Respectfully
Tim
Tim, your comments ring true. Thank you for sharing your perspective. It is interesting how each of us has so much potential, yet, often we wait for that trigger outside of us. Your comment reminds me to activate my potential and the potential of those I come in contact with – we have the trigger inside of us. Thanks for the reminder.
Great points from Tim and Rich. Crisis exposes character. Crisis builds character. In my opinion the more maneuverable ship is what determines acceleration from run of the mill. If you think about the variables and complexity of fighting a fire in the mountains, an intriuging parallel in the sociology of disaster and business develops. All disaster response plans first identifies an incident commander. The commander monitors and communicates. Leaders execute. They know their role and skill set. Many times they are free to take independent action based on an over all battle plan. They know they will learn many new things. They know that at times they need to follow. I believe it is the full, free, two way communication from the commander that makes the difference.
When I think of disaster response, I see professionals responding to a need. Different talents, different times, different purpose, improved results. (Think of your compassionate neihgbors, doctors, officers, managers, tellers, janitors – all juping in to help) When leaders know to follow, that is when learning and building occurs. Strengthening them to step out next time with confidence. Becoming even more maneuverable. Building even greater results.
I too would like to recognize the Leadership Post team. Makes my brain stretch. Thought provoking. Great stuff.
Thad – Your comments inspire, my friend! It speaks to the growing need for “fluidity” in leadership. No surprise, as the market moves faster and evolves, so does the need for leadership to mirror similar behaviors. (Look for a post on this soon.) I’m struck by the fact that if I get locked into the same paradigm of what leadership is supposed to look like how I can miss the opportutnities you reference in your comments.
And thank you for the kind feedback! All the best –
Craig