It’s normal to be fearful in a time like this. Many of the questions we are asking ourselves come from that fear. Yet, there’s one more question to ask now, The #1 Question to Ask NOW. I will share this question with you soon.
First, let me note that this question may seem insensitive when so many are suffering. Yet it’s important for leaders like you and me to ask it. Great leaders ask uncomfortable questions seeking perhaps even more uncomfortable answers. They intimately understand the talents of their team, and find innovative ways to maximize results, especially in times of great stress.
Let me share an example with you.
My client, the Chief Operating Officer of a large electronics distributor, is very worried. His rapidly growing e-commerce business is dependent on the fast, accurate and inexpensive supply chain he built. Now the world seems to have shifted, and he’s reacting to forces outside of his control. Things have changed so rapidly, he struggles to find the “right” question to ask. He’s already launched the Supply Chain Business Continuity Plan he created a few years ago. Clearly his Crisis Leadership is being tested, and deep down he’s not sure he’s up for the task.
I jump on a Zoom Video call with him. “With so many unknowns relating to COVID-19,” he wasn’t sure exactly what to ask so he started with…
- “Who are my people with existing health and financial risks?”
- “When do I send my office staff home?”
- “How will I manage this if my partner is sick?”
- “How do I care for my family and business when I’m in a quarantine zone?”
- “Could the company run out of cash?”
These are all great questions.
Ones that require answers he and I are working through together. And, these questions are largely focused on survival. Survival is a natural instinct. When we’re under great stress, our natural instincts exert control. Fight or flight, living on adrenaline, feeling we could literally die. These feelings are so intense, they can overpower and render useless the skills we’ve acquired being successful business leaders.
Before we go down this survival rabbit hole, we owe it to ourselves, our businesses and communities to ask one more question, The #1 Question to ask NOW.
I asked this question of my client. “When you look back on this COVID-19 pandemic, what will you say were your biggest successes?” “Oh,” he said “you’re asking me what’s important right now in addition to surviving?” “Yes” I replied.
He paused and thought for only a few seconds. The answers were obvious to him, yet he hadn’t verbalized them to anyone until this moment.
- “Full employment for my team”
- “Remain profitable”
- “Support at least one new competitive talent or business advantage to emerge from this terrible situation.”
- “That I’m present for my family, and they know I care.”
In that moment, I saw him shift from nervously reacting to forces outside of his control to strategically and courageously leading his company. His purpose is back, and it’s much greater than simply surviving.
Now, let me ask you this question. The #1 Question to ask NOW. When you look back on this COVID-19 pandemic, what will you say were your biggest successes?
- Will you take such great care of your customers, they’ll work with you for life?
- Will you go the extra mile for your employees’ families?
- Will you take time for quiet moments with your daughter or son home from school?
- Will you share how you feel with your partner or advisor, opening a new, deeper level of connection?
- What positive thing will emerge from this terrible situation?
Interested in what comes up for you. Please comment or message me and let me know. I would love to hear from you.
Jeff@COOForYou.com
888-588-0357