Clouds in the Sky are not Smoke in your Eyes

by Sherry Matteson, M.A.

Smoke in your eyes is disorienting and debilitating, to say the least. Whatever you were doing comes to a halt. With diminished vision comes uncertainty and the reaction to uncertainty is generally to stop action. A cloudy sky can have a similar effect in that we don’t know if a storm is coming or simply a quiet rain. The uncertainty of our economy is like clouds in the sky. Unclear, yes, but it is not smoke in your eyes.

Without knowing the decisions our government will make, which if known, might give us a sense of security in our own decision-making, our waiting and inaction becomes paralyzing. Motivating ourselves to try something new, or to get on with innovation seems tough when the rules of the game are up in the air. Uncertainty is one of the primary reasons that people resist change, and this resistance often leads to failure. However, the certainty we are looking for is not really all that certain, anyway. We must  move to adapt and create our own version of certainty. Part of its creation is designing our businesses to be flexible , constantly monitored and adjustable as we go. Have you created all that is necessary to do this in an impeccable way in every aspect of your company?

Its true that perfect clarity is not always possible, and leaders are not always in control of events and outcomes. However, this does not mean that all the action should stop. As a leader in business you can provide Certainty of Process. When the world at large is seemingly in chaos, you do not have to follow suit.

Excellent leaders will continue to:                                                                              

•  communicate                                   
•  invest in relationships                                                                                                  
•  improve                                                                                                                   
• remain true to principles                                                                                               
• forge new alliances

These actions can make the difference between getting stuck and emerging triumphantly. Providence steps in to help those who do not stray from their goal.

Clouds will eventually give way to clarity.

As a cloudy sky gives way to the sun once more and the wheels of commerce begin to turn more rapidly, how would you like to be positioned in your industry? What aspects of your company require development now?

• prof it performance and financial controls
• productivity and employee incentives
• customer loyalty and quality assurance
• leadership development and succession planning
• sales and marketing implementation
• technology systems

Now is the time to shore up your systems, policies and procedures for the future, regardless of what it holds. The only thing we can rely upon 100%, is Change.

How we weather change determines our success.

 

The Betty White Phenomenon

Behold the Betty White phenomenon.  At 89, she is one of the hottest and bankable stars in the industry.  She is in strong demand, and has shown she can create a demand where there normally would be none.  A mere two years ago, she was in the background as one of those actresses who “used to be on TV.”  So what happened?

A Superbowl Snickers commercial. At a young 88, she could have opted to sit back and relax for her remaining years. But as a Hollywood commodity, she understands the need to try something different. In doing so, she was the first to go where no aging star has gone.  In case you don’t believe in the power of the internet, within hours she was the most searched name and topic on social media sites and search engines.

That demand landed her on Saturday Night Live.  She was highlighted in almost every scene, and sportingly went along with the writers(I don’t know if I could have been so accommodating—some of those skits were less than acceptable). I admired her ability to “go with the flow.” She decided to take a chance, to extend beyond her comfort zone, and by doing that reach an entirely new generation of fans.  She admitted she has no use for Facebook, but that’s not the point.  That new tool called “social media” has garnered her countless guest appearances, and several new series.  And she is in control.

There is a valuable business lesson here. Doing the same thing you’ve always done will not produce the same results.  Sitting back and resting on past laurels, thinking they will carry you through isn’t what it’s all about.  The world changes.  Customers’ expectations change. Economics change.  Betty White is a brand name, and she clearly understands the business fundamentals.

Ms. White has always had the courage to change as times dictate in order to stay in demand. What about you? As a business owner, do you cling to the “way we’ve always done it” or are you willing to make the necessary changes to keep your business sustainable and profitable?