If Your Future Is Blurry, Focus on the Good Work

Are you in a position to help someone “see an unclear future?” If so, this article in HBR could be one you print out and study… here’s an excerpt:

If Your Future Is Blurry, Focus on the Good Work Employees Are Doing Now

These are uncertain times. As a leader, the people around you are watching you. Today, be sure to pause as you walk by a window or mirror. Catch your reflection...THAT is what they see!

Maybe their job duties are changing, or it might not be 100% clear how each person on the team contributes to the overall strategic vision what what you’re getting after. 

If people show up to work every day to a to-do list that never ends, to a job that always needs to be done better, with a goal that “may or may not be theirs,” it can be uncomfortable...even disheartening.

Help the people you lead, but focusing on ONE thing: Doing their job to the best of their ability. Double-down on that approach by finding ways to acknowledge them for their commitment, not just their output. [For more on that, see the work by Carol Dweck on “Mindset;” start with her TED Talk.]

Though people may not know what their future holds, they do know what their responsibilities are. And, you’ll offer them opportunities to train up, to learn, to perform, and to succeed.

Here are THREE things you can do today:

1. Share the DIRECTION you’re going in with your team, even if the destination is blurry. 
2. Cultivate an atmosphere of open communication, which can create emotional steadiness. 
3. Share new information - as you can - about what’s going on.

Oh, and remember to reflect on AND use the work by researcher/storyteller Brené Brown: Lead from your heart, be vulnerable, and expect the best from people. Let them know they can be honest about their emotions, and be honest about yours as well. 

The people around you are watching you, remember to let them see you as a calm and focused leader... and avoid unhelpful stress-driven responses.

Ideas from “Managing When the Future Is Unclear”

https://hbr.org/2019/01/managing-when-the-future-is-unclear