How many times in getting a New Year underway do we run into the proverbial wall and ask, “How did we get here and how do we get unstuck and get going?”
We might be stuck implementing change, leading a project team, writing, or with some other key initiative. Executives, managers, teams, and individuals can minimize the frustration associated with being stuck in nonproductive time and get going by applying these Voltage principles to Get Unstuck:
· Get Clear
· Get Real
· Get Good
· Get Going
· Get on with It.
GET CLEAR – Clarity Is the Greatest Time Saver
Have the right people meet at the right time to define the current state and to get clarity about exactly where things are stuck and how to get going to where we need to be.
Leaders lead. They answer the imperative question, “Why do we do what we do?”
Without clarity of purpose, participants may become resistant. Without a common language and understanding of the current situation, participants become reluctant to take chances and, perhaps, may even come to resent the leadership team that placed them in this position. The position of knowing the clock is ticking, knowing that they will have accountabilities, but not having clarity about what the accountabilities are is most uncomfortable.
GET REAL – What Is the Plan?
Leaders lead. They identify SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) for the plan and determine SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely). They track and measure the goals to ensure appropriate progress.
GET GOOD – What Does Our Best Look Like?
Leaders lead. They repeatedly communicate vision to the organization, clarifying what the best looks like. They are a walking example of aligning behavior with goals.
Leaders adjust their style to become citizens of the future state. They live in a different space. They forgo passivity and negativity in favor of rational (not emotional) accountability.
GET GOING – Get Over the Hurdle
Leaders lead the Journey. They take steps to overcome cultural resistance to change by formally communicating the plan and the rationale for the decisions that have been made. Team members may not agree or even like the decisions made, but they cannot fairly say they were uninformed. Leaders make changes to their approach when necessary. They make themselves available to keep communication flowing.
GET ON WITH IT – Owning a Culture of Success
Leaders lead. They share success and success stories. This, in turn, adds positive momentum and cultural buy-in which promotes a culture of success.
Using these tools to Get Unstuck and Get Going will help minimize frustration and make 2020 a successful New Year!
