Sitting in a traffic jam surrounded by snow, I took the opportunity to reflect on the past year. If 2009 has taught us anything, it’s that we can’t predict the future. However, as the early signs of recovery start to appear, let’s hope that we see the economy improve in 2010.
I hope that we emerge from 2009 wiser, stronger and more resilient. Most of us have had to deal with unprecedented challenges. We’ve been forced to make tough, unpopular decisions. We’ve seen some businesses collapse and others struggle as revenues fall and profit margins suffer. The impact on people – particularly as far as morale and motivation are concerned – has been great.
Maybe you’ve had to cut back operations or make people redundant. How did you handle it? Did you feel you dealt with it positively and communicated difficult decisions effectively so that others understood, even if they weren’t happy about the decisions? Or do you feel there were things you could have done differently? Either way, you can learn from your experiences. The chances are that over the past 12 months you’ve been forced to step outside your comfort zone. This has probably taught you quite a lot about yourself.
Many of the leadership and management lessons we learn during the tough times can teach us a lot about how to lead and manage more effectively in an upturn. For example, we may have learned to trust our gut feelings more to make instinctive and intuitive decisions. We may have learned how to inspire and engage others to follow our vision, even when following that vision may be difficult. We may have learned how to hold on to talent in our organisation through building trust in adversity and developing that talent even when resources are tight.
So as we prepare for the year ahead, take some time to think about the year gone by. What has gone well? What would we do differently next time? If you’re stuck on a train, or in traffic, or at an airport, stand back and reflect a little. I’m making a mental list which I’ll use to choose my new year’s resolution. Here’s to a good year ahead!
The Financial Times asked me to contribute a thought to their ‘Business Wisdom’ spot. Could I share a useful insight with readers – in less than 20 words? I thought energy would be a good focus:
Energy is contagious: it drives performance and quality service, it inspires others to be energetic too, and it’s free.
Energy has always been important. To be innovative, agile, proactive and productive at work, we all need energy. Now more than ever, I see that energy drives business success. Energetic leaders transmit their energy to others in their organisations. This can really motivate and inspire others and help to create enthusiasm at work. This in turn boosts employee engagement and increases productivity in a positive spiral.
The real issue is that as leaders we can cause either a positive or a negative spiral, engendering enthusiasm or withdrawal in others. This is our choice, daily.