Expect the Unexpected: A Guide for Adaptable Leadership
"Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it."
~ Charles R. Swindoll
The Unexpected Surprise
I was thrilled to have my team join me in North Vancouver for our team building and planning session. My wife and I had cherished our five years living in the area, and I knew it was a new experience for most of them. We had a couple of days filled with productive meetings, enjoyable meals, and significant progress on fresh ideas.
However, at the end of our final day, one of my managers approached me for a brief chat. Unexpectedly, the manager shared their decision to resign, as they had been recruited by another company. This departure came as a complete shock, considering the loss this leader represented for the team. While I'm always happy to see my team members pursue opportunities aligned with their long-term career goals, this move caught me entirely off guard.
With Leadership, Expect the Unexpected
Leading comes with unexpected challenges, a reality I've learned over my 17 years in various leadership roles. Surprises, though less surprising now, still hold the potential to catch me off guard, reminding me of the importance of adaptability in leadership.
Developing adaptability isn't an instant trait upon assuming a leadership role. Much of it stems from navigating unforeseen situations as they arise. However, there are steps you can take to prepare:
Consider all of the possibilities:
Recognize the spectrum of challenges leaders face, ranging from employee resignations and conflicts to technology failures, legal issues, or crises. Acknowledging this broad range equips you for the next step.
Get as prepared as you can:
Prepare yourself by delving into corporate policies, consulting HR for guidance, seeking advice from superiors, and learning from colleagues who've tackled similar challenges. Prior preparation empowers you to face inevitable challenges more adeptly.
Don’t panic:
When faced with the moment, resist the urge to panic. Remember, time is often more available than it initially seems. Pause, regain composure, consider possible approaches, seek advice, and then act. Afterward, reflect on what went well, what could be improved, and the personal lessons learned.
Closing Thoughts:
"The art of life is a constant readjustment to our surroundings."
~ Kakuzo Okakura
While surprises aren't a favorite aspect of leadership, they offer valuable learning experiences. Managing crises parallels the battles leaders must navigate. As Dwight D. Eisenhower noted, "In preparing for battle, I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable."
Leading is about growth through challenges, turning unexpected moments into opportunities for learning and development. Don’t fear the unexpected. Embrace these moments of discomfort for what they are, your leadership university, and let them fill you with gratitude for helping you become a better leader.
TAKE ACTION THIS WEEK:
Whether you've cruised through your leadership journey without hitting many unexpected bumps or have been navigating a sea of leadership challenges, if this topic strikes a chord, here are three proactive steps you can take this week to brace yourself for the unexpected as a leader:
Make a List: Draft a list of potential unforeseen challenges you could face in your leadership role. Choose one from that list and outline a strategy to tackle it if it were to arise. Keep this list accessible in case the challenge does come knocking.
Figure out what you need to learn: Delve into the unknowns surrounding these unexpected scenarios. For instance, familiarize yourself with protocols in cases such as employee resignations or sudden absenteeism. Seek guidance from your HR representative or colleagues to enhance your understanding of these procedures.
Take time to reflect: Reflect on any recent unexpected challenges you've encountered. Use this moment to debrief and evaluate what you've gleaned, how you might have approached things differently, how you managed your emotions, and any other pertinent insights for personal growth in handling future challenges.
