I’m guessing that if you’re being honest, most of you wouldn’t use the words “adventure” or “fun” to describe the way 2020 has been going. Instead, the words that come to mind are probably things like: unprecedented, stressful, challenging, and overwhelming. And rightly so. Those words are pretty accurate descriptions of the year.
But as leaders, we need to shift our thinking.
Leaders are supposed to be the ones out leading the way, paving the course, and taking on new challenges. The Google definition of leader is “the person who leads or commands a group, organization, or country.” It’s all you business owners, entrepreneurs, and managers out there. It’s also all of you parents, coaches, and volunteers. To be honest, I truly believe that every single person can be a leader in one way or another.
So, now that I’m speaking to all leaders out there, here are some ways that you can step out of your comfort zone, try something new, or have an adventure:
Challenge your plan
If you’re still trying to work the plan that you set at the start of 2020, it’s probably well over time to pivot. There aren’t many businesses that I’ve heard of that haven’t been impacted by the events of this year. Some have seen a growth they couldn’t have predicted. Others have struggled to stay afloat.
There’s nothing wrong with making adjustments to your plans and goals. Seeing when and where things need to change is part of being a leader. And, here’s the most important part—don’t feel embarrassed or ashamed about it. Those feelings aren’t going to do anything positive for you right now. If you know it’s time to make a change, but feel lost as to what steps you need to take, that’s OK too. Our SPEARity business coaches in Milwaukee are ready to be your guide.
And thanks to an important pivot that we made towards virtual coaching at the start of the pandemic, we’re happy to work with you regardless of where your business is located.
Think outside of the box
As a leader (remember, all of you are) it’s your duty to think outside of the box and step out of your comfort zone. If you haven’t been reading our blog for long, I encourage you to scroll back through our old posts. SPEARity CEO, Darren Fisher, did a series of blog posts all about being uncomfortable.
2020 is not a year to stay in your comfort zone. The events of the year are begging all of us to look at things from a new perspective. Be willing to speak up. Be willing to try new things. And be intentional about seeing what you can do differently than you did in the past.
Stop waiting for the return of “normal”
The church I attend has been doing a series called “Never Going Back”. One of the messages that they’re sharing is what a shame it would be to just let everything return to the way that it was pre-2020. When coronavirus began and people were forced to spend more time at home we picked up old hobbies again, we spent time with family, and we were forced to slow down. Now that things are starting to open back up, it would be a shame for us to jump right back into the old “normal” and forget everything we learned during these challenging months.
And while the series was started before news of George Floyd came out and the protests began, the message applies there as well. We are at a time in history where real change can happen. What a horrible shame it would be if people let time go on and our country moved forward in the exact same way we were before this renewed awareness of racial injustice began.
As leaders, we can’t wait for “normal” to return. We need to be out leading the way for a better normal through these difficult times. Spend some time to think about what this looks like in your life and your business.
And, find adventure
Leadership in itself is an adventure. Every time you step out of your comfort zone and try something new, it’s an adventure. Every time you challenge a limiting belief that you have, it’s an adventure. And, as a leader, you can help others join you along the way.
And, here’s a final word from Darren on finding adventure as a leader.
If you’re ready to grow in your leadership skills and make progress in your business like never before, the SPEARity team is here for you. We are SPEARity, a local Milwaukee leadership coaching firm that specializes in business coaching, executive coaching, and leadership development training.
