3 Priorities for Navigating the "New Normal"
So I have a confession to make … I am not all that concerned with the impending state of affairs many have coined the “New Normal.” Sounds crazy I now, but bear with me for a second and I will explain what I mean. In case you are unaware, the term “New Normal” is a trending buzzword, hashtag and occasionally even meme that is currently circulating throughout the internet and other media outlets. This term is used to describe the future social, economic and cultural environment that will emerge post COVID-19. And there is now a plethora of videos, articles and other resources dedicated to preparing individuals and organizations for this new normal. However, there are several reasons why I believe this intellectual movement may be aimed in the wrong direction.
The first is how tightly it has been intertwined with prediction and forecasting. It goes without saying that truthfully, none of us know exactly what the new normal will bring or even when it will begin. We don’t know what the world will take or leave behind from this season. While I do believe things will definitely be different, the only thing we can say for certain is that there WILL be change. As the famous Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said, “the only constant in life is change.” Nonetheless we have many business leaders proclaiming the advent of the virtual office and a host of other changes organizations should be ready for.
I am not saying I disagree. However, the first step towards being ready is admitting that we don’t know. We really don’t know if the meteoric rise of Zoom will stay or go, if the new office really will become the home. This doesn’t mean that we abandon planning. As a mentor of mine once told me, “it’s ok to plan, just don’t predict the outcome.”
The second reason for my skepticism is related to the first. Change has been on the rise well before COVID-19. In the hyper-information age we live in, there is no more true predicting, only adapting and innovating. Business doesn’t simply involve change anymore; it IS change. This is why there has been a massive groundswell in recent years of material relating to diversity and effective team building. It’s because leaders have realized more than ever that in order to thrive in the modern era, we need teams that are highly flexible, creative and resilient. Furthermore, crisis is always an accelerator for change. So the impact of coronavirus has only increased the need for such teams.
Therefore, with that in mind I want to highlight a few priorities to be thinking about as we press on towards the “New Normal”.
1. Diversity over Strategy – I am not saying strategy is bad. However an overemphasis in this area can make a team inflexible and more vulnerable to changes in their environment. It is no longer enough to identify the needs and roles of your industry and set out to draft your all-star roster. Therefore, it is so important that you have a variety of personalities and skill sets on your team. I believe as the world post COVID-19 moves forward that we will see “jack of all trade” and multi skill set people become an integral part of successful businesses.
2. Pivoting over Predicting – Similar to the last point, many leaders used to craft a strategy like building a railroad. You map out the current terrain and where you want to go, then build out your track to success. However leading and doing business today is more like sailing a boat. The terrain underneath you is in constant flux, and sometimes, you simply have to ride the waves and the wind. Once again having a diverse team, flat leadership structure and company policies that gives options and flexibility will help organizations become more adept at moving in ways to fit the environmental shifts.
3. Relational over Transactional – Let’s face it, in business there is always a pressure to produce. The lights have to be kept on and people have to get paid. However remember when I said crisis was an accelerator? There has been an increasing move in our culture towards authenticity and corporate responsibility. People are looking for deeper meaning and a cause to get behind. As a result, gifted professionals are looking to work for companies that give back, and consumers are more skeptical than ever. The global battle with COVID-19 will lead to a greater cultural focus on community and collaboration. Your team and your customers/clients will want to see leadership and a vision that embraces people over making money. Easier said than done, but it will be crucial for leaders to own this truth to be relevant in a post coronavirus world.
There you have it. My 3 priorities for leaders moving into a post COVID-19 world. For those leaders who are serious about growth and making a positive impact in their spheres and would like some help with that, you can reach out to Michael Walker for a complimentary 45minute coaching conversation. You can reach Coach Mike at michael@capstonecoaching.ca We look forward to helping you achieve your desired success!
