Blog - Focal Leadership

Leading Change in Yourself

May 11, 2020 By Neil Grant

Leading Change is a hot topic. Given the present pandemic, change is not an option. One of the biggest challenges is leading change in yourself. The pandemic has thrown so many curve balls that require us to change, but how about the changes that require personal leadership and not just a response?

What do I mean by this? Some people are pre-disposed to adapting and flexing without any discomfort. Others struggle. Some people are ok being led through change and others enjoy the challenge of leading others. But a lot of stress is caused when people feel that they are constantly reacting to the circumstances around them. Being able to lead yourself through change is a disposition that many are experiencing, yearning for, or simply bereft of. Anticipating that change is a constant, developing chameleon-like behaviors, and retaining serene mindfulness, are adaptive ways of leading change in yourself.

When I first learned to drive, I remember being told by a policeman friend of mine, “steer into the apex of the bend and accelerate out of it”. This driving technique seems to make sense to me. In the same way, if you can intentionally anticipate the upcoming changes of direction, position yourself appropriately, and purposefully invest your energy in the new direction, this seems to be a great way of leading change in yourself. Let us take these one at a time:

Anticipate the upcoming changes of direction

Anticipation can be a quick reflex, or it can be a deliberate plan. Leading yourself requires more of the latter and less of the former. If we are always playing catch up, then we are being led by change rather than leading ourselves through it. If, however, we reflect, research, and resolve to meet the upcoming changes with a positive mindset, we get ahead of the need to just react. Anticipation is an acceptance of the inevitable differences to the status quo. Getting prepared, planning for new solutions, and learning adaptive behaviors, will help you anticipate change. You have heard the phrase “being able to see round corners” … well how about “being the change that lies around the corner”.

Position yourself appropriately

If you do not position your car on the outside of your lane before you steer into the curve, then the curve will be much more difficult to steer around … and you will have to slow down much more. But if you anticipate what is ahead of you, your efficiency and trajectory will be much better. So, positioning yourself for the changes that life, business, and society hold in this current environment will determine how effectively you lead yourself through change. Positioning yourself appropriately implies a change. Communicate differently, work differently, and ideate differently, are all essential to lead through change. You must shift your alignment to the change – be its master, be in control, be ready for it.

Purposefully invest your energy in the new direction

Some people have a victim complex. They are the afflicted ones. Whereas those who lead change in themselves are the opportunists and optimists. Around the corner of our current predicament is a different life. It is hard to imagine that this is the last pandemic we will ever face – and I am trying not to be a doomsday prophet. New opportunities are presenting themselves, the seedbed for innovation has never been more fertile, and the future beckons. When you emerge from the apex of the curve, a new horizon presents itself. Clear vision is restored. We will get through the current pandemic crisis, and there will no doubt be many that have suffered along the way. There will also be those who feel a sense of excitement. Not only of old things returning to normal, but of new vistas. History teaches us that disasters are painful, and they are also accelerants for change. Leading change in yourself will allow you to reflect on the hardships we are all experiencing and also to be authentic in hope.

As we all journey through this time of immense challenge and turmoil, leading change in yourself is an opportunity to build strength, succor, and sustainability to our world.

5 Silver Linings

April 24, 2020 By Neil Grant

A silver lining is defined as a consoling or hopeful prospect by Meriam-Webster. It is unsurprising that people are looking for silver linings with the COVID-19 pandemic where there are so many stories of heartbreak and tragedy. Lost jobs, deaths, bankruptcies, depression – to name but a few. But the human spirit has a depth of resilience and determination that often only appears at times of crisis. So, what might some of the silver linings be?

Regeneration

Stay-at-home orders, shelter-in-place, and lockdowns are not words/phrases that were expected to be commonplace for the year ahead when 2020 dawned. Working from home has added stresses to some, but there are also many who have been laid off and who now have no job. After a period of grief and maybe anger, people face a new reality. Some people jump straight up and start looking, while others take time to adjust. Of course, the job market is not the healthiest during a pandemic and circumstances test the job seeker like never before.

Being laid off can have a silver lining, although I would not bring this up too soon when speaking to someone who has just lost their job. I was laid off in my early thirties and was absolutely devastated. But tapping into a network, being open minded, focused, and tenacious, led me into a new career. Times like this can be incredibly uplifting as people have to dedicate time to consider and build their brand, learn how to market themselves, and seek out new opportunities.

Reflection

As well as the many who have lost their jobs, there are also many who have been furloughed by their employers. And even those who have kept their jobs, are often faced with new realities and challenging ways of working. Times like these cause a lot of people to reflect. Is this the career I really want anymore? Should I take a risk and do something different? Should I re-balance my life? Should we move to a different part of the country? Should we start a family later than planned? I could go on. Importantly though, reflection and deep consideration of priorities often happens during a crisis.

Reflection is not something that happens too often when everything is running as normal and work/life is at full pace. So, expect many people to make life-altering decisions during this pandemic. This is not a bad thing, as people get more in touch with their values and sense of purpose.

Talent

For many employers, the pandemic has been devastating. Laying off employees, losing revenue, and even closure. Millions of unemployed people and perhaps millions more furloughed from their jobs. The reality of economic, social, family, and personal crisis could not be starker. Yet even in the midst of this, there is a silver lining for talent.

Employers have to make tough decisions to stay in business. This means deciding which of their talented employees are essential to keep them in business and can best help them emerge from the crisis. Sometimes this is a numbers game, but it is also a time to assess the talent bench. Strangely, it is also a time for employers to be aware that some great talent is now in the job market or furloughed and considering other options. Similar to speculating on equities in a bear market, some employers are thinking about attracting others to join them as the economy emerges from the doldrums.

Innovation

Most people have had to innovate in the pandemic fall-out. Whether it is just working out a new daily routine, making masks or learning how to operate Zoom calls. There are of course some who choose to escape or simply bury their heads in the sand. They will be left behind, or they may simply be content in their own corner of the planet. Businesses are having to operate differently, customers shop differently, families communicate differently, and habits are changing rapidly.

Stress and crises are great catalysts for change. A walk back through history teaches us that lesson. Now is the time for entrepreneurs, innovators, and dreamers to step forward like never before. We can adapt, we can demonstrate agility, and we can hasten invention at this time.

Time

The daily commute, business travel, and nowhere to go. All of these have invaded our lives. For many parents, children have also filled their daily lives like never before. The dynamics of how we have used time and how we need to adjust, has meant a recalibration of daily routines. For some, this has meant less time to spend on their own, for some it has meant more time with the family, and for others it has meant way less social interaction. Regardless of which camp people fall into, the use of time has changed.

Maybe the crisis will cause us to value time more. To realize that there are more important things than striving to earn more money, or that we need to invest in relationships more, or simply that we have had a few things out of balance. A silver lining to the pandemic may be that people value time in a new way.

Can virtual classroom learning be as effective as in-person?

April 14, 2020 By Neil Grant

Virtual classroom learning is going through the roof during these times of social distancing, restricted travel, and working from home. So, is it as effective as in-person learning? Why don’t we switch to this modality entirely? Afterall, it saves money, time, and facilities.

Inevitably with a topic like this there are those who will argue strongly on both sides of the question. I try to adopt a position of reasonableness and pragmatism, not underestimating the fact that seismic events such as the one we are now experiencing can change the paradigm.

Let’s examine the “Yes” answer to the question.

A lot of the impact of virtual classroom learning is dependent on the artistry and instructional design of the solution. Tools such as Adobe Connect and Zoom provide excellent platforms. But the existence of a good tool does not guarantee a great learner experience. A lot of thought needs to be given to the interactivity of the learning in order to not only keep the learner engaged, but to ensure that learning takes place. A challenge for all learning and development is, “does it add value and make a difference?” If it doesn’t, why spend money on it!

Great learning solution design is essential. It is also vital that virtual learning integrates elements of application – much the same as in-person learning. So, including actual learner experiences and examples is important for relevance, as well as creating a bridge to apply the learning directly to work and behavior change. For example, pre-learning might include learner analysis of how current performance is delivered and measured. The learning program can then overlay principles and models that outline best practice. The learner can appraise present state against a desired state by applying learning principle taught in the virtual classroom. This can then translate into an actionable plan on return to the workplace.

One of the biggest questions raised with virtual learning is “what about behavioral-based learning?” I would argue that virtual experiences can still impact behavioral change. Engaging the learner through virtual break-out discussions, reflection, assessments, and action planning, all help with this. Accompanying any virtual classroom experience with feedback, coaching, manager check-in, and strong application opportunities, can only strengthen the opportunity for behavioral change. Of course, this change to behaviors requires personal accountability, and this can often be supported if virtual learning programs have more than one module. Multiple modules can facilitate practice and report backs.

So, what about the “No” arguments.

Despite the skills and ingenuity of virtual content designers, as well as the charisma and professionalism of facilitators, there will always be arguments as to why virtual learning doesn’t deliver the impact of in-person learning. I would prefix the argument by “it depends on the learning.” There is no doubt that skills and knowledge transfer can be accomplished virtually. I also know that behavioral change can be stimulated using virtual learning, if the support mechanisms are implemented as mentioned in the last paragraph of the “Yes” argument.

There are some in-person learning experiences that are however difficult to replicate in a virtual way. For example, programs that include high levels of senior leader interaction, simulations, practice, project collaboration, and experiential or immersive activities. Each of these on their own can be done in a virtual way, but there are inevitable compromises in the depth and concentration of the experience. Asking people to learn through their laptop screens for hours on end, regardless of the mix of virtual experiences, is different to the diversity of focal lengths and interactive experiences they experience in-person.

The type and temperament of individuals who learn well virtually also plays a role. Some people may not find they can be as expressive as they would like, or their interactions are more transactional. Of course, the reverse might be true for those who find in-person learning a challenge to their introverted nature. Either way, virtual learning changes the dynamics of human interaction purely because it is through an electronic medium.

It may be that our world is changing irreversibly through current events. It is almost inevitable that the demand for virtual learning will increase, as will the skill levels at designing and delivering it. Can virtual classroom learning be as effective as in-person? Yes and No. That’s the ambiguous and changing world we live in.

5 strategies for being your best during a crisis

March 23, 2020 By Neil Grant

Many people are sharing great words of advice for coping in our current circumstances and I’d like to share 5 strategies for being your best during a crisis.

Reinvent yourself

Of all the times in recent history, now is the moment to reinvent yourself. That doesn’t mean trashing everything you’re good at but facing up to the reality that the world around is evolving at an accelerated pace right now. Clients will realize that virtual meetings can be as effective as face-to-face ones, virtual training and webinars do add value, high quality take-out meals are in demand, etc. Reaching people and connecting with them is going to be different now and will be more different in the future. Become an expert in using interactive online meeting portals, learn new skills for a more virtual world, or maybe even consider a career shift so that you can be more relevant and impactful. Whatever your profession, conduct a reflective inventory as to how you can reinvent yourself … not just for a more virtual world, but for when we return to a semblance of normality and you can be a better version of yourself.
Be a voice of reason

It’s intriguing to see how polarized opinions become in times of crisis. “This will last for two years”, compared with “it’ll blow over before you know it”. “Stock up with a month of groceries”, compared with “I go out every two days and buy what I need”. “Find a way of meeting up virtually”, compared with “how can we twist the advice to meet up in small groups and just sit further away”. And the political blame game continues. If you can, control your impulses and be a voice of reason, reasonableness, and responsibility. Don’t jump on extreme opinions, don’t argue, and don’t get drawn into taking sides. Be a moderate in times of extremism, be a collaborator in times of differences, and try to add humor wherever you can.
Be purposeful

You may or may not be impacted significantly by the current crisis. You may be fortunate enough to have a job which continues to roll along or even ramp up in these times. But many are facing a loss of work, or at least a significant downturn. We are already seeing marriage troubles increasing as stress levels mount, investors panicking, and parents struggling to work at home (if they can) with their kids suffering cabin-fever. One of the most important strategies you can embrace at this time is to build purpose into each day. Create a structure to your waking hours, fill it with meaningful activity, and beware the enemies of laziness and depression. Exercise every day, cook meals, be creative, and let your deep sense of purpose express itself … i.e. reflect on who you are, your talents, your values, and your passions, and let these shape your world more than ever.
Seize the day

What can you do now that you would otherwise have had no time to do? Maybe clear up your office, get a head start on cleaning up your yard, connect with your network proactively, use your time to think creatively, design, and develop new products. Grow your own skills by taking time to learn. There are so many opportunities that this crisis presents. Indeed, when business gets back to “normal”, the time you have now will evaporate sooner than you know. You may well be so max’ed out because everyone will be on catch-up, that you rue the day when you had time to add value but didn’t take advantage of it. So, seize the day and the unique opportunities it presents.
Make the world a better place

You can either hunker down or hustle. You can bemoan your lot or reach out to others whose lot is worse than yours. You can wait for people to contact you or you can be the one who takes the initiative. You can make the world a better place during these troubled times. You can be the friend who connects, you can be the one who take responsibility for overcoming restrictions and finding virtual ways to connect, and you can be the one who brings light into other people’s world. Write someone a letter and mail it, take a photo and share it, offer insight and bring it … all of these add value to the world around you. Take a moment to make someone else’s day brighter.

Now isn’t the time to pontificate or being a smart ***, but it is the time to be the best human being you can be!

3 reasons why leaders should focus on their strengths

March 10, 2020 By Neil Grant

Leaders should focus on their strengths. Why write an article about something so obvious? Because most personal development plans focus on addressing the gaps in a leader’s skill/behavior set. Isn’t that true? When leaders participate in assessment for development, invariably the feedback discussions focus on how they can make up a lack, rather than build on their strengths. There is absolutely nothing wrong in identifying development gaps. Indeed, I invariably practice this when coaching leaders. But the biggest differentiator in leadership is accentuating strengths rather than addressing weaknesses. That isn’t to say that blind spots, over-played strengths, or critical deficiencies can’t be derailers.

Recently when coaching a senior leader, he shared with me that one of his greatest weaknesses was large group presentations. This leader is a superb conversationalist and a very warm human being, as well as being a very effective business leader. I offered him a suggestion that he might turn the tables on expectations for the presentation set-up to work in line with his strengths. “Why not tell a story, be more conversational, have a fireside chat environment, be interviewed …. anything but standing behind a lectern delivering a presentation.” He started his presentation with a story, which not only resonated enormously with the audience, but also helped him slow down, become more comfortable, and deliver a much more confident presentation.

It’s no accident why you are a leader

Becoming a leader of others often means that individuals have demonstrated abilities and performance to warrant them being asked to lead others. Whatever these skills are, it means that a leader has a gift that adds value. They may still need development as a leader and as a contributor, but their track-record has earned them status.

A leader might have strategic insight, professional expertise, or inspirational talent. Whatever their differentiation, it has had an impact on those around them and still does. Making this unique talent even more impactful is how to maximize their potential and deliver higher value.
Strengths distinguish, weaknesses dilute

Individuals are known for their strengths and weaknesses, but it’s often the strengths that leave the greatest legacy. It’s the same for organizations – some are great at volume, some specialize, some are acquisitive, some are geographically focused, etc. Almost all geniuses have their flaws – some very major ones. But this doesn’t take away from the fact that they are geniuses!

Leaders who focus only on developing the gaps in their skills/behaviors are in danger of becoming average. Leaders who take every opportunity to play to their strengths, mindful of developing their gaps, are the leaders who rise to the top. Of course, the great leaders are those who surround themselves with others who have strengths where they do not.
The world needs strong leaders

If you have had the experience of being led by someone who hesitates, lacks confidence, and who fails to inspire, you will understand this last point very well. The world needs strong leaders. By “the world”, I mean companies, nations, families, teams, and organizations of any sort. Being led by someone who demonstrates conviction, courage, and compassion, is to feel the power of a leader with vision and gravitas.

Leaders who step up and inspire followers are essential to propel people and organizations forwards. They often have belief, wisdom, and empathy … or even if they only have one of these in abundance, they still leave their mark.

There will often be reasons to pick up on a leader’s deficiencies. There will invariably be development gaps that leaders need to address. But there is always a need for leaders whose strengths are the reasons why they are recognized, rewarded, and respected.