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I often see (and hear) this: organizations and people who have trouble getting on with it. There are beautiful plans, strategies, and goals. But nothing happens, or too little.
Somewhere there is still resistance to taking steps and continuing. This resistance can come from within the organization because people do not want to cooperate or because there is (too) little budget. But there can also be external factors that make it difficult to get on with it. I am thinking of (geo)political influences, a new competitor, a health issue, or a negative image in the media.
In this article, I’ll give you and your organization a few tips on how to get on with it and follow through when the going gets tough or when a ‘drive’ is missing.
Go back to the plan
Often there is already a plan or a path to achieve certain goals. The question is whether this plan is current and in line with the organization’s WHY or the individual.
Is it clear what you want to achieve in different areas such as human resources, finance, sustainability, or contributing to the community? On a personal level, you could look at areas like career or family.
Make your goals time-bound and determine what you will start with, what you will continue with, and what you will stop doing. You then take responsibility for your work. Read more about this in my blog Setting successful goals in line with your WHY.
Make “sprints”
It’s about taking action and staying moving. Often we freeze, flee or fight against challenges, difficulties, or big goals.
What helps is to make the goals smaller and do “sprints.” This is part of the ‘scrum’ way of working. You define smaller goals and results and achieve them in two weeks. Doing this creates clarity and overview to achieve the big goals ultimately.
Go to a growth mindset
If you or your team are in a fixed mindset where it seems impossible to take on the challenge, you can change your mindset to a growth mindset. It is then important to pause and become aware of your current mindset. Is it fixed by freezing, fleeing, or fighting? Is there fear? Or is it too cozy, too comfortable where you are now?
Then focus on your goal, your end result, or your WHY. The key is to help or to give. Support others with their challenges, give them a little more attention and listen. It will help you and your team to progress. Read more about how to elevate your mindset here.
Pay attention to the trunk
I once worked with a team that was going through a very difficult period. Although people worked with heart (and hard) for the cause, there was a negative atmosphere within (outside of) the organization. There were losses, and there was also a need to reorganize! There was panic; no one wanted to participate in the training but would rather go to the office to take care of urgent business.
Still, they decided to finish their training (I praise them for that!). I told the team about a Māori proverb I came across shortly before in the book “Aroha” by Dr. Hinemoa Elder.
Ahakoa whati te manga, e takoto ana anō te kōhiwi
This is a translation: “even though the branch is broken off, the trunk remains.”
If the foundation is strong, setbacks or misfortune will not undermine an individual or organization. Therefore, it is important to have a strong foundation to get on with it. Not only with people but also with people who know why they do their work, their contribution, and what effect that has on the world. This is the WHY of an organization. What also helps is to go back to the plan, mission, vision, or purpose.
-> Reading tip: The difference between purpose, mission, and vision
When people reconnect with why they do things they need to do, they strengthen the trunk and foundation. I am convinced it will be easier to get on with it. The team still faced a difficult task, but after the training, there was more optimism, clarity, and drive to take on the challenges and to get on with it.
Discover your WHY (or that of your organization)!
Do you or your team also want to discover your WHY? I can help you with that. I facilitate individual and team sessions where you discover your own WHY. Your WHY gives direction, can help you make choices, and gives you energy. It is always positive, action-oriented, and generic (a WHY is never an end goal). Interested? Contact us today for an introductory meeting.
How do you deal with setbacks, challenges, or (too) big goals? Let me know in the comment field below. The other readers of this article. and I are looking forward to reading from you!
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Source:
-Featured illustration: Martine, https://minofmeer.blog/
-Dr. Hinemoa Elder, Aroha: Māori wisdom for a contented life lived in harmony with our planet
