Only a few weeks ago life was very different. Then we all started to hear shocking bulletins that likened the context in which we find ourselves, to the war years. Horrifying images on television and unavoidable updates on radio, it does feel like war time; and with a hidden enemy, the fear levels are high.
In my role as a leadership coach, it is unquestionably my mission to find ways of empowering leaders at key times, and this parallel with “War” has inspired some ideas.
The workforce has never been as physically dispersed as it is today. People suddenly working from home, with none of the usual work triggers in their environment, may find themselves floundering and struggling to focus on anything but the news! Couple that with the effect that fear has on the human mindset, and the need to focus people on a direction of possibility, achievement, and viscerally positive outcomes, has never been more important. The best way to lift people above the level of fear is to create a sense of Purpose. People are blessed with an inner resilience that is fuelled by Purpose. Once fully engaged in a cause, their courage and application can be extraordinary. It brings out the best in people.
The war years hold some compelling leadership examples and in this regard Winston Churchill holds a special place in the hearts of many, generations later. We witness impactful leaders emerging in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Malala with her mission to bring education to women in a culture where it is not only forbidden but a crime. Mandela winning the fight against apartheid having spent 27 years in a prison cell. All had simple messages from the heart imbuing a sense of “We Can and We Will prevail” which have rallied the courage and commitment of people. The leaders’ own belief is so strong, their words so clear, they pulled the people out of the jaws of submission and fear, to focus on a vision, victory!
I believe that leaders in all organisations, not just in politics, are being invited to step forward and speak their purpose and vision, to their “troops” with as much conviction as Churchill, Malala and Mandela.
The challenge seems to arise in identifying our own compelling purpose within the organisation we are signed up to. “Our business purposes don’t have the same pull as survival” I hear you say. And that feels unquestionably true. A financial target, a productivity KPI or even market share, do not of themselves warrant the engagement of the hearts and minds of your people. If you study the text these compelling leaders have spoken, the message is personal. Not technical or financial. When people experience fear it is personal, and only a strong, personal message will capture their attention and potentially their commitment to it.
Crafting and communicating a vision have been the foundation stones of our coaching work for over a decade now. The difference today as we tackle Covid-19, is that people are forced to communicate solely on virtual platforms. The “sensing” of audience response is very different. The speaker does not get the usual feedback signs from his or her audience. Coping with that and the desire to have
maximum impact requires us to do some inner work. Learning to use our bodies as a barometer. To trust our senses in a heightened way. Maybe this will be one of the many silver linings of the dark cloud we now find ourselves under. I hope so.
How can we as coaches and consultants be of help?
CRAFTING – one to one virtual coaching with the leader to dig deep and find a meaningful and true purpose, prepare messaging and hone the virtual communication skills to maximise its impact
DELIVERY – real time observation of the virtual meeting where the message is delivered and discussed, plus debrief. (The virtual environment means the coach can be present with no additional travel time or cost making it much easier to understand and respond to exactly what is happening)
IMPLEMENTATION – follow through with virtual consulting, coaching & facilitating online discussions while implementing that purpose.
When it comes to maintaining a management overview of a workforce so spread out, with no casual conversation in corridors or by coffee machines, no non-verbal cues to experience on a daily basis; how will you receive insights on how the culture, engagement and innovation is progressing?
Perhaps recent technology can again provide those insights. There are several quality diagnostics which are completed on line, giving a holistic view on the shape of the team, and its ability to function at the highest level.
Rolin is fortunate to have collaborated with Gap International who have created to my mind the most clear, practical and accurate digital survey called the Performance Diagnostic. This tool provides invaluable insights on levels of affinity with the leader, the sense of ownership experienced by the team, the degree of collaboration that is practised, how aligned people are to the purpose of the organisation and the team they are in, and finally the openness of communication in the team and organisation. All are proven factors, present in a high performing team, and can be developed explicitly. A simple, and fast online questionnaire that keeps your finger on the pulse of these remote teams. The clarity of reporting is dashboard style leader by leader, team by team and supports the leader and HR to target interventions precisely while simultaneously providing accurate data on the ROI of Leadership Development.
So my feeling at this time …. there is plenty to do and thankfully the tools to do it with. The combination of the personal approach hand in hand with technology is exciting. I am optimistic that perhaps this challenging period, is allowing new practices to be learned and adopted, many of which may lead to an enhanced and more sustainable future?
Conquer fear with Purpose and embrace the technology we have…. you’ll be pleasantly surprised at just how much can be achieved.
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