Preparing for 2021 uncertainty
/Ask Marcia: Leadership Q&A
November 2020
Q. If 2021 is another year of uncertainty (and it will take time to get us past the impact of the pandemic and the economic hit), how can we best prepare?
A. Get your team very focused on the business (or parts of the business) that best makes a difference to your customers. Let other projects that don’t add value fall by the wayside until you have the resources to pursue those. Second, together have conversations with your staff regularly about ways to improve the business. Bring problems to the teams and have everyone contribute to solving the problems. They’ll feel more engaged when they contribute and during challenging times, and the company can use all of the ideas it can get!
Q. How can we reduce the fears that people have about the rest of this year and 2021?
A. Identify what those fears are. Share them. While there is uncertainty about the future, there’s always uncertainty. It’s just at varying degrees. Together brainstorm and discuss what you do know! You’ll find that that list is long. From that foundation, you can plan the actions you will take. More productivity will emerge from having control of what you do know. Then you can anticipate and consider your options. The more you communicate effectively (short, focused, action-item meetings), the greater difference you can make Together.
