The last few weekends have started to feel like, “same old, same old” which seems a bit deflating given we’ve just entered Spring – a time of new beginnings, new starts and new creations.
Coming out of a long Winter here in Canada, we relish in the sunshine, warm temperatures and getting outdoors to enjoy the very sometimes short season so many of us look forward to.
We’re also looking and planning ahead, reflecting on what the next 1, 3, 6 months will look like given our current climate. For us as individuals but more importantly, leading our businesses and livelihood that we depend on to survive.
These unprecedented times have had many of us scrambling to normalize our businesses in whatever way we can, some industry’s feeling it more than others. Others have to simply close shop entirely because, despite the times we live in where the online platform is ‘normal’ for many businesses, there is no “online” option for some – yet.
Each of us handling and processing this pandemic differently, but with some familiarity and businesses figuring out what their next step is, to say the least.
As I’ve navigated the news, social media (in small doses) and staying connected to friends and family, the common theme I’ve picked up is many are praying and looking forward to “when things go back to normal.”
Hearing these words keeps me coming back to a question, “what will be the new normal?” Going through a dramatic and significant shift in what so many of us have taken advantage of in our day to day lives, let alone in our businesses, seems like a common question to ask.
Instead, I’ve asked, “what can I do today that I can carry into the future and beyond?” Much of what we were accustomed to doing, living, being and operating as was clearly disrupted for a reason. For many, beyond what any of us can comprehend. Whether we understand it or not, we will very much be looking at new ways of living both as individuals leading our organizations and the way we do business.
If you think back to traumatic events that touched the globe like 9/11, that experience not only impacted us as individuals, but it changed the travel industry and the way we travel. Our travel experience going through airports alone has changed. Not temporarily but for years to come.
As you’re navigating through these times and find yourself looking ahead, how can you begin to reflect on how to set yourself up as a leader AND how you will operate as a business post-COVID-19? I recognize it’s a loaded question yet one that has many possibilities.
If you missed my post on how to thrive during uncertain times for the long-term, I invite you to revisit it here. It’s a great start to help guide you in reflecting on how you’re showing up for yourself and others during these times.
This post isn’t about sharing tips and tricks and instead, offers questions to help you reflect on who you want to be on the other side of COVID-19 and consider what will be new in the way you do business. Try and approach these questions with an open mind and an open heart. There’s no right or wrong answer, only the depth that you can access within yourself and the creativity that you allow yourself to tap into.
- What is this time in our world trying to teach me? How does this apply to my business?
- What are some of the ‘old ways of being’ or ‘old ways of doing’ that I can leave behind?
- What new ways of leading can I adopt and integrate into my life and in my business?
- How can I connect more with those in my personal life and with my customers?
- How can I continue to cultivate and nurture my working relationships with my employees and customers?
- What needs more of my attention? What needs less of my attention?
These are just some prompts to help foster reflection (if you haven’t done enough of this already). Being present and focusing on the moment helps relieve anxiety and stress while planning for a new future and a new way of leading both in our lives and in our businesses is important.
You don’t have to have all the answers today, but you can start to ask yourself the questions. Ones that can lead you to hopefully new awareness and help you make the necessary shifts in your life and business.
What shifts have you made so far in your life or business that are calling you to lead in a new way?
Let me know in the comments below what changes you’ve made or are planning to make that will prepare for your success in the future.
To brighter days and a new tomorrow.
Lisa ?
