Pandemic Wisdom (and Warnings)
In reflecting on the recent experience of navigating the global COVID-19 pandemic and observing the diverse responses of organizations, it is evident that finding healthy tension between a short-term and long-term focus is vital for effective leadership and organizational success in times of change.
The pandemic served as a litmus test, illuminating the consequences of overemphasizing either end of the spectrum. Some organizations, driven by immediate survival instincts, swiftly pivoted and adapted their operations to meet emergent challenges, seize unexpected revenue streams, and capitalize on government funding opportunities. However, many of those now find themselves grappling with the aftermath of unsustainable business models and confused customer perceptions.
Conversely, those who remained unwavering in their belief that the storm would soon pass failed to recognize the permanent shifts in the landscape, leading to missed opportunities and, in some cases, irrelevance.
Amidst these cautionary tales, there were those who embraced the wisdom of taking a Both/And approach with short-term agility and long-term vision. In the words of Winston Churchill, they “[refused to] let a good crisis go to waste” and leveraged the pandemic as an opportunity for innovation and growth. At the same time, they kept their mission, vision, and values front and centre, remaining unwavering in their strategic objectives. By aligning every short-term decision with their long-term commitment, these organizations not only weathered the storm but emerged stronger and more resilient than before.
In times of change, those who harness the power of both the short term and the long term stand out from the rest because they are not merely surviving, but actually thriving
Real-Time Assessment
Reflect on your past year and evaluate how well you’ve embraced both short-term and long-term considerations within your team. Have you appropriately balanced the immediate goals with the overarching vision? Have you addressed the urgency of short-term needs while keeping sight of long-term strategic objectives?
Review the assessment below and determine which quadrant best describes your team’s approach to navigating the tension between the short term and long term.
Next Steps
This assessment inspired my new book Leading Change, will help you navigate the tension between immediate needs and future vision. By answering these 11 questions, you’ll gain valuable insights into your organization’s readiness for change and its ability to sustain transformation over time.
Monthly Inspiration
Resistance towards change isn’t just a case of people being difficult—it’s a natural psychological response towards the unknown. More than being tolerated, resistance should be expected and planned for.
William Bridges
Author, Managing Transitions
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"Extremely relevant to the current state of our business. Tim had a great mix of theory and practical, applicable content I can take away and put into action."
"I found the tension between change and tradition really interesting, especially the balancing and acknowledgement of being both Optimistic AND Realistic."
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