Refuse to be Overwhelmed
There’s nothing like a crisis to challenge the way we think.
In most cases, crises signal an alarm of distress, anxiety, and disruption. It upends strategies and can lead to feelings of pessimism and overwhelm. In our book of the month, “Unthink”, author Erik Wahl reminds us that crises, when reframed as opportunities for creativity and innovation, serve as a clarion call (strong request for action) to confront our traditional ways of thinking.
When under pressure, Wahl encourages us to find calm and make the choice to relax. In doing so, two things become available to us as leaders: 1) a full arsenal of resources and 2) nimbleness and agility. Both of these are critical contributors to finding solutions in the midst of uncertainty and during unprecedented times. While ‘easier said than done’, the provocation to find calm is not a call to avoid real emotions and feelings. It is, however, a challenge to get ‘unstuck’, avoid the unrealistic expectations of making everyone happy and being perfect, to make space for creativity within the constraints of the crisis.
As leaders, crises often create external pressure for rapid decision-making, stability and normalcy, and exposes us to judgmental energy. I contend, leaders, that as you learn to relax and focus in times of crisis, you will become exponentially more resourceful and dynamic as our ‘new normal’ unfolds in the weeks and months ahead. I encourage you to give “Unthink” a read to explore a fresh perspective on unconventional approaches to problem solving.
Quote for Growth
“I am and always will be the optimist, the hoper of far flung hopes and the dreamer of improbable dreams.”