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STRENGTHS CAN LIGHT A PATHWAY THROUGH CHANGE

In one of his poems, Rudyard Kipling talks of times when others "lose their heads and blame it on you." Sometimes that’s what periods of significant change and uncertainty can feel like. This can feel particularly chaotic and anxiety provoking when it seems as if someone else is pulling all of the strings of change.

Many organizations, both large and small, have been jolted by economic and cultural turbulence. This leaves many people – including employees and leaders – looking for what they can control, what they can count on, and what they can do.

Even when there are many things outside of your control – such as the state of the economy, the direction of your corporation (if you’re not the owner), the decisions of key executives, the mood of investors or politicians, etc. – you still have a healthy roster of things that are very much within your control.

Grounding in your vision and core strengths

Whether you’ve already identified a vision and core strengths for yourself, your group or your enterprise, or whether you’ll be doing so for the first time, you can find a sense of steadiness and motivation in vision and strengths.

For example, instead of spending an inordinate amount of time spinning in worry over things "out there" – things over which you have little or no control – revisit or revise your vision and list of core strengths. See them as a resource, a refuge, and a source of fuel and guidance.

In addition to acting as an anchor, which can be welcomed when it seems that external conditions are whipping you all over the place, your vision and list of core strengths can provide guidance. You can ask yourself some of the following questions, for example:

• How you can apply your vision and strengths within your realm of activity or control?

• Can you do something more skillfully?

• Can you find encouragement and enjoyment or satisfaction by expanding your skillfulness in some way, and by doing so, contribute something positive to those around you?

• Are you acting from your vision and strengths to the fullest degree possible, so that people with whom you come into contact would notice and feel energized or inspired by their interaction with you?

• Have you grounded yourself in material that inspires and motivates you to think and act from your highest intentions, vision and strengths (such as reading inspiring quotations, essays, stories, novels, biographies, articles, etc., or listening to or meeting with people who inspire you?)

These are all things that you can do something about, regardless of what is happening within your department, the economy, the political landscape, and so on. By grounding yourself in vision and core strengths, you’re able to have faith that you can adapt to whatever comes along; and that you can act from your best self, or, as former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln said, "the better angels of your nature."

We at Ivy Sea can help you incorporate these and other concepts within your own group or organization. Contact us to explore the possibilities.

Missed the previous tips in this series? Start here!

Remember, this information is food-for-thought. The most effective approach is the one that's been tailored to meet the unique needs of your group. If you have questions, connect with someone who can provide a perspective you trust and value, or e-mail us at info@ivysea.com.

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