Leading Differently: Reframing and Embracing the Un-
Written By: Dr. Nicole Johnson and Dr. Laura Manyweather, WIN Coaches
When you are Designed Differently you approach business, conflicts, life, and work creatively, optimistically, positively, and head-on. As a matter of fact, the present times make it clear and evident that leaders must lead differently, reframe their business stance, policies, procedures, and protocols, and embrace the Un-. Many people dislike being “Un” anything. No one wants to be uncertain, unprepared, unprofessional, unrealistic, unsettled, or unsure.
Right now, businesses and world leaders are in uncharted territory. Many people are feeling a bit uneasy, uncertain, unlike themselves, and afraid of the unknown. True, we are in unprecedented times as the global pandemic is our biggest Leadership Challenge (Kouzes and Posner, 2006). Fear is the contagion. It seems as though the world’s collective consciousness contracted a dangerous virus of the mind.
Reframe and Manage Transitions
Have no fear, that’s where the growth lies, in the Un-known. This is merely what Bridges (1978) author of Managing Transitions Making Sense of Life’s Changes: Strategies for Coping with the Difficult, Painful, and Confusing Times in Your Life, calls the neutral zone. In this book, Bridges claims, “Everything begins with an ending, followed by a period of confusion and distress, leading to a new beginning” (p. 8). The neutral zone is a time, place, and space of uncertainty. While you are transitioning from the old to the new you may experience a, “natural process of disorientation and reorientation marking the turning points in the path of growth” (p. 4). It is during times of transition, where the developing and unfolding of new ideas, solutions, and ways of being are birthed.
You are exactly where you need to be. It is in the neutral zone where breakthrough occurs, enlightening happens, and new practices are developed. Bridges asserts, “Without an understanding of such natural times of transition, we are left impossibly hoping that change will pass us and let us go on with our lives as before” (p. 5). When you are Designed Differently you are not hoping, wishing, or wanting for this time to pass by or be taken from you. This is your time. How might you respond? Before you get a new beginning you must go through the neutral zone. Afterward, there is a clearing away process and decluttering of your mind. You emerge with a quiet calm knowing of exactly what to do and when to do it. What you didn't have in place one week ago, you create now. Partnerships that did not exist are now formed. There is a burst of energy and enthusiasm as you step back, only to step into a new space. What will you create? How might you do business differently? What would it look like if you designed a series of online courses, lessons, or pre-recorded your team meetings? How might you be more organized, productive, and use your time efficiently given the new temporary circumstances your company or team currently faces? Will you continue to try to do business as usual or find new novel and unusual ways to deliver your message, product, or service? Will you dare to lead differently? The key here is for you to explore and experiment. It’s all made up! Instead of fear and uncertainty, reframe that energy to a calm knowing and quiet peace. Take hold of your own mind. As a leader, you simply cannot afford to digest a diet of dread, fear, lack, worry over the world’s economy, and expect to live a positive, upbeat, and fruitful life.
Embracing the Un-
When you are Designed Differently, you learn to embrace the un, pivot in the un, and use unconventional approaches, mindsets, and practices to chart new waters and survey the business landscape. When taking this stance, leaders do not run from change, rather you run towards it. The global crisis, when reframed, is an opportunity for leaders around the world to rethink our leadership stance, set aside personal interests and self-serving behaviors, and view the world today for what it is, an interconnected global market serving the world’s millions of needs.
Live in the World of Possibility
Now, is the time for a new grounding and unearthing of possibilities. These are indeed unusual times, however, practice living in the world of possibility (Zander & Zander, 2002). As a leader, people will look to you for security, certainty, and sureness. As a leader, speak your truth and speak from the heart. Although these may be unsettling times for us all rest assured we are merely pawns in the hand of the creator of the universe. Do not be an alarmist, stress reactive, or a fear monger. As an adaptive leader who is designed differently, I dare say, stand in the space of chaos and create a clear plan of action. Proceed as normal. Fear is a powerful force, yet so is Love. Both are contagious. Both can spread.
Employ Emotional Intelligence
People are daring to be unconventional in these uncertain times and create unprecedented courses of action. Kouzes and Posner (2006) claims: leadership is everybody’s business. Modeling the way, inspiring a shared vision, challenging the process, enabling the heart, and encouraging others to act is a simple five-step approach to obtain extraordinary results from ordinary people in un-ordinary times. These are the cornerstones of today’s leadership challenge.
When unsure of how to proceed, pause, and lead from the heart and use emotional intelligence (Goleman, 2002). Emotional intelligence is both an art and skill, which can be learned. Emotional intelligence is the capacity to be aware of, control, and express your emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships empathetically. It is sensing and knowing in the moment. It entails picking up on others’ nonverbal cues and responding appropriately. It also requires you to monitor and regulate your emotional energy. We only have so much emotional energy to expend each day. Convey empathy for your team and what they may be experiencing. Remember change is situational, however, a transition is psychological (Bridges, 1978).
Use the Yes, And Approach
This unconventional approach, described by Dr. Karen Tilstra, in her 2012 TED TALK, requires you to give every idea, even the bad ones, one minute of life. Her talk entitled, Two Words that Can Change the World offers a new approach to change and creativity. The Yes, And Theory is a positive change model that is groundbreaking and employs creativity, play, and improvisation. Tilstra explains it like this: “Yes, for I’m listening and suspending judgment, and And for I will add to it and help it to move forward.” This approach and change model challenges decision-makers to pause, intentionally interrupt, and slow down the thinking process. When the Yes, And Theory is coupled with possibility thinking it creates a synergistic overflow of possible outcomes and novel solutions to today’s pressing concerns.
Here’s how you Reframe using the Yes, And Theory:
My child(ren) school closed for two weeks, AND I will create a home study schedule to include structured time for play, reading, art, creativity, design, gaming, and academic work. I will call other parents who have teenage children AND possibly pay them to watch my child(ren).
These are scary times, AND we will get through them. This is only temporary.
The stores are crowded, AND there’s enough for everyone including me.
The shelves are almost empty, AND the items I need will be replaced and restocked within 24-48 hours.
I might have to cut hours or lay people off, AND I can find the best solutions by incorporating my team and asking which approach might have the least impact? For instance, you might ask: Would you consider taking paid or unpaid leave? Could you use vacation time or sick leave? Might we renegotiate your contract for the next 30-60 days in light of the world's recent changes? Could we pay the invoice in a structured payment plan?
Leading Differently means:
Reframing and Managing Transitions
Embracing the Un-
Living in the world of possibility
Employing Emotional Intelligence Monitor and Regulate Your Emotional Energy
Using the Yes, And Approach
Because you are Designed Differently be consistent, clear, and courageous. Minimize fear by over-communicating with your team. Hold positive presuppositions of your team and workforce. Respond straightforwardly and limit downward spiraling talk and negative internal chatter. This is what leading Differently looks like. Help others to better manage transitions, reframe, and embrace the Un.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Dr. Nicole Johnson is the CEO of TetraCore Consulting along with Dr. Laura Manyweather, Co-Founder.
TetraCore is a certified woman owned small business. TetraCore Consultants write on topics related to emotional intelligence, leadership development, negotiation, and re-entry. Leading Differently is an expert from TetraCore’s first book entitled Designed Differently. For more information go to www.tetracoreconsulting.com.