In early 2020, COVID-19 stopped the world in its tracks and brought forth a storm of uncertainty. Business as we know it is changing, and whether these changes are short term or permanent, nobody is quite sure yet. The uncertain future can contribute to increased levels of anxiety and unease, but as a business leader, it’s important to remain calm so that you can effectively lead your team. Even in the midst of all that is currently happening, here are three things over which you still have control
Internal Thought Process
When external factors are in chaos, it can be worth it to take a moment and look inward. When you give your fears your attention, they will grow. This can in turn directly relate to how your business operates. While fear has a function to protect us, we must be careful not to let it run amok. One way of alleviating this and helping you to regain control is to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness practices can be short, such as giving yourself one minute at the top of each hour to breathe and recompose your thoughts. By turning inward, you will be able to better understand yourself, thus allowing you to lead your team better.
The Situation At Hand
We do not have control over the past or the future, only the present. Thinking too much about the future can be overwhelming while fixating on the past can bring up feelings of stress and shame. If you need to think about the past, use that time intentionally to reflect and learn lessons from your previous experiences. When thinking about the future, use those lessons from the past to find ways to improve for the future. Being present allows you to see the moment at hand as an opportunity.
Intention
Now is a good time to revisit the reasons behind why you created your business. This intention is the core of your business. Businesses in the age of the coronavirus must adjust and adapt to the current situation in order to survive and thrive. Instead of focusing on just the product, look at the purpose behind it to find creative ways to adjust. Just because the execution may look different, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the mission of your business needs to change.