Grounded in What Does Not Change | Accelerate Success with Lorraine Moore

“Four strong winds that blow lonely, seven seas that run high, all those things that don’t change, come what may…” performed by Bob Dylan (written by Ian Tyson)*

In recent weeks, these lyrics have been running through my mind. Odd, as it has been several years since I attended (and fell asleep at) a Bob Dylan concert. What occurred to me was that the words were an excellent prompt, reminding me of what will remain stable, in business and personal lives, as the planet navigates the current pandemic.

There is much speculation about how our world will forever change. I agree, there will be some permanent shifts; hopefully, most of them for the better. It is equally important to consider what will remain constant.

I am fortunate to live within walking distance of a majestic view of the Rocky Mountains. When our post-travel quarantine ended in early April, and I was making sense of our changed existence, I often walked to the top of a hill and gazed at the mountains. I found myself thinking about how the mountains were created so long before I had arrived and that they will share their beauty and inspire awe long after I am gone – and long after this pandemic.

As I advise my clients on navigating the various phases of the pandemic response, I want to ensure that they do not lose sight of the fundamentals that garnered their success in the past.

Here are four aspects of business success, fundamentals if you will, worth holding on to:

Corporate culture: We all know the power of corporate culture, and it is created (or destroyed) by leadership actions. If you have demonstrated compassion, empathy and consideration for employees and customers during the pandemic, you likely garnered sustained commitment from your employees and respect and loyalty from your clients. Employee and consumer expectations have shifted and may never revert to what they were. Hold on to the new practices, policies and choices that have strengthened your company during this time. If you have made some mistakes, there is an opportunity to rebuild.

Succession planning: During this tumultuous time, while juggling multiple demands, many leaders are setting aside longer-term planning. When we emerge from this situation, it may be time to make changes. Your leadership team may need different members, and shining stars may have demonstrated their unrealized potential, and/or you may decide that, once your team is on solid ground, you are ready to transition to something new. Developing talent is not instantaneous, and investing the appropriate time is rewarded. If you have set aside succession planning and leadership development, it will soon be time to add it back to your to-do list.

Rapid innovation: One of my clients said that he and his board are no longer polishing rocks for months and years, waiting until they become diamonds. Rather, he has launched several meaningful new services for his clients, and his business is growing, with revenues increasing through the pandemic contraction. If, during the pandemic, you have released some of the rigour required to launch new products or services or to pilot new offerings, good for you! Do not return to the 100 percent solution in the months ahead. Forge on with more rapid implementation of new ideas. Don’t be afraid to fail fast.

Courageous leadership with transparent communication: A constant across the globe has been the search for honest and courageous communication from leaders. Where business leaders and politicians have been decisive and truthful, they have earned greater respect and loyalty from others. These leaders will retain customers and employees, and their P/E ratios will reflect their success in the years ahead. The political and business leaders who have led with self-interest will not fare well. If you have increased the frequency and transparency of your communication during this uncertain time, maintain that transparency going forward. You may not need to address your employees and other stakeholders as frequently when there is greater certainty, but maintaining transparency will set you apart.

As our world continues to shift and change, remember the parts that remain constant. Hold onto the fundamental parts of your success and build upon them as we move into the future.

My clients accelerate their results – increasing profitability, leadership performance, innovation, and accountability. I would love to discuss how I might support your success. Contact me today.

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CORRECTION: *Thank you to Andrew for pointing out that Ian Tyson wrote (and originally performed) the song, “Four Strong Winds.”