We’ve all been in situations that are less than desirable, when—for whatever reason—we are unable to control many of the variables…OR…when you’re leading from the MIDDLE of the organization and not from the top.
When you’re a LEADER facing a situation like this, it can be stressful, because you care about your team and know how the situation is negatively affecting them – and you see the potential for results you’re not able to produce.
So how do we lead in moments where we’re in the middle and not in control?
Here’s how you can LEVERAGE what you CAN control, to manage what you CAN’T…
● Manage your internal game effectively—when someone doesn’t have control of a situation, it’s easy to get immediately into VICTIM THINKING. Make sure you are being 100% accountable.
● Facilitate the COLLECTIVE wisdom, knowledge, and experience of those on your team.
● Identify and leverage your INFLUENCE and ability to collaborate with your peers. Even if you don’t have direct decision-making authority, you can make progress and create positive change by being an influential team player.
● Ask the QUESTIONS no one else is asking—for example, rather than asking the question “What do our customers want or need?” Do what Steve Jobs did…ask: “What do our customers want or need that they don’t even know they want or need?”
There will always be things we can’t control. But there will always be things we CAN control.
Effective leaders learn to channel their attention and energy into using what resources they DO have to create positive change and outcomes.