It is the role of every person within an organization to contribute something uniquely human and leadership is the most uniquely human of all contributions.
It is my belief that every uniquely human contribution is, at least in part, leadership – empathy, compassion, foresight, assessment, and organization of the abstract are among just a few. Notice that none of these contributions require an individual to be a manager in the traditional sense; with a team of subordinates. In fact, it means that every person within an organization must lead, no matter where they might find themselves in an organizational chart.
If I haven’t made it clear, this applies to you.
Countless daily activities have changed in the past month as the world adjusts to fight against the Coronavirus pandemic. There’s no shortage of suggestions on how to adjust to all the newness that’s been thrust upon us all.
The tools and techniques being shared are undeniably helpful, but consider that tools are like data. Data alone doesn’t provide clarity. It is a leader’s interpretation of the data that does this, just as it is the spirit in which a tool or technique is used that fulfills an organization’s promise to its customers.
My cautionary advice to leaders (i.e. you 😉) is to resist getting lost in the details of the tools.
You will figure this out.
When you feel yourself getting overwhelmed by change, remind yourself of what has not changed.
- Your organization’s mission to serve your customers has not changed.
- Your customer’s mission to improve their living situation has not changed.
- Your goals to improve yourself, your family, and your community have not changed.
Your organization has already answered the question, “Where are we going?”
A leader’s most burning question is then, “How do we accomplish what’s next?”
When we examine short-term challenges through the lens of our core values and organizational mission, the answer to this question becomes significantly clearer.
Yes, the rules, the tools, and your environment are changing fast. Yes, this pace means you’ll need to reassess your answer often, but remembering your mission is what will keep you on track.
The answer can only come from leaders.
