"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going direct the other way" - Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
Reality is tough, sometimes. Today's economic climate, while I see many reasons to remain optimistic, is still challenging for many businesses and organizations. The ability to make challenging times work to your advantage is crucial for success. But how can leaders navigate truly turbulent waters in a way that brings "bottom line" success? What are the keys to THRIVING rather than simply SURVIVING?
The first key is to realize that what we believe to be true about our circumstances determines to a great extent the choices we make. So, what do you believe? There is a great difference between the person who believes that they must "get through" tough times and the person who seeks to GROW and "take something FROM" the tough times. This is a key difference. As a leader, you get to choose what you believe. If you don't believe it is possible to THRIVE today, you won't. Conversely, if you believe there is much to be gained as you navigate a season of turbulence, and look for ways to THRIVE (or build an organization that thrives), you will do just that.
The second key is to stay in ACTION. Tough times have a nasty habit of creating "victims" that feel as if "there is nothing that can be done". Here is a "secret" that can be used in your business, your career, your marriage, or your ministry: There is ALWAYS something that can be done. By you. As a leader, you have been called to lead in tough and challenging times. While you can't always choose your circumstances, you can always choose your response to them. Given what you are up against, what do you want to create?
The final key to thriving in tough times is to cultivate a personal and corporate culture that repels FEAR. Fear is a powerful thing and it often accompanies challenging circumstances in any area of our lives. If we aren't deliberate about repelling it, fear can paralyze individuals, diminish productivity, high-jack our emotions, and bring organizations to a grinding halt. What can you do about this?
First, you can realize that fear results from threats that are both real AND perceived. Far too often, we waste time being paralyzed by fear over possibilities that (fortunately) never materialize, and are unlikely to occur. But, even when we are confronting fear of a very likely possibility, it is beneficial to "debate" the fear, much like a skillful attorney debates in the courtroom. Here are some questions to get you started:
Given the circumstances causing me this fear, what is the WORST thing that can happen?
What is the BEST thing that could happen?
What is the MOST LIKELY thing that WILL happen?
Based upon all of the information we have gathered, what seems to be our best course of action?
You are very likely to find that FEAR loses it power when it is skillfully and boldly "debated." The most important thing to remember is that fear is temporary. When it is confronted, it can quickly disappear.
Today's leaders have a choice to make: You can CHOOSE to thrive, or you can HOPE to survive. The choice is yours.
Automotive Dealership Thrives in Tough Times
Rolfe's inspirational training revs up the engines yet again at Freedom Automotive
One of Carawan Global Group's successful clients, Freedom Automotive has proven over and over again their uncanny ability to think outside of the box. Since receiving the Run To The Roar Award, Freedom has not stopped running, in fact, they've gone into a full on sprint. Fueled by the passion to be "A Different Kind of Dealership," Freedom has implemented a valet service unlike anything seen before in the automobile industry. For 3 years after purchase of a new car or truck, you won't have to leave your front doorstep for any warranty or maintenance visits. Freedom picks up and returns your vehicle within the same day. If not, they provide a rental car at no cost. Talk about a sheer streak of entrepreneurial genius. But it doesn't stop there; you won't believe what they're offering next. Keep a close watch on Freedom Automotive, whose people are bold and innovative in the face of tough times.
This spring has been incredible.Filled with a nonstop schedule of coaching, consulting and keynoting, it's been a truly amazing season.Now, however, I am looking forward to soaking up the sun with my feet in the sands of Myrtle Beach.I will be taking some time off to refresh, spend time with family and start work on my upcoming books.
