Episode Details

So let me ask you.... How are you letting the current economic uncertainty impact you?

These are challenging times. As much as I'd love to believe we're rising out of the mire, there's enough ambiguity and lack of national leadership from both political parties that there's plenty of reason to be concerned. That concern can make it even more difficult to lead those on your team who perhaps share even greater concerns.

Leading in times of pressure is what Justin Menkes book is all about. In this premium episode I want to highlight some points from the interview with Justin about you can better navigate these challenging times.

• Perspective. In my book entitled Navigating the Winds of Change: Staying on Course in Business & in Life, I share how perspective is one of the key ways to thrive during times of high change. Certainly perspective is important these days, so here's a start: Let's not forget that it's been really bad before. Though it sounds rather cliché-like right now, there's wisdom in the saying that "This too really shall pass." As difficult as it is, I try to remember that challenge can be good. It can keep us focused and innovative if we don't let it paralyze us. Too much of the good can actually cause complacence and boredom. There's no time for us to be bored these days as we have to bring our A game each day to make sure we're delivering value. But let's not forget that better times will eventually arrive.
• Courage. Times of high pressure demand courage. Remember that courage doesn't mean absence of fear. If you don't have moments of concern you're probably in denial! But courage is moving forward in spite of the fear. It's being willing to step up and refuse to be the victim. I'm actually spending some extended time working with my teenage sons on the topic of being courageous. It's applicable to all of us that desire to thrive during times of pressure, whether at home or in the workplace.
• Action. It's been said that one of the best antidotes for anxiety is action--taking action instead of sitting back and worrying. What actions do you need to be taking? Maybe it's updating your resume. Certainly it's looking at ways to invest in your skills and abilities. Frankly, I'd love to have you in my Leadership Fast Track Program next year to help accelerate your ability to lead. Maybe it's watching less 24 hour news that has a way of sensationalizing the bad to keep reaping ratings. But let's be clear: sitting back and worrying or even hoping for the best isn't going to help. Taking some action is a great way to attack the pressure.
• Develop. How are you improving your ability to deal with stress? How are you preparing people around you? Justin's research is clear that being resilient is not just a matter of whether you got the right DNA or not! To a great degree it's nurture, not just nature. Look at the pressure as opportunities to be tested. Watch for those above you who seem to handle stress better than others. What do they do? Offer to take them to lunch to ask them about how they maintain perspective during difficult times. Part of taking action is to develop your own resiliency.
• Realistic Optimism. Blind optimism may put on a good face, but people see right through it. They can smell it from a distance in baseless promises and unfounded enthusiasm. The alternative that Justin talks about is realistic optimism. It's a deep-seated confidence that acknowledges there are risks and obstacles but that we can do this together. How you feel about the future will ooze from your words, body language and vocal tone--whether it's positive or negat