In the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous 24/7 business world of 2016 and beyond, one of the most difficult challenges leaders face is the loss of employees, subject matter expertise, and focus because of the constant and disruptive changes occurring in every market. 

A small team of participants who were deeply engaged in the learning journey were stuck.  Thirty minutes into running a computer-based leadership simulation designed to develop their leadership skills, they came to a complete standstill when it came time to making decisions around priorities.  As the facilitator of the simulation workshop, I listened intently to the conversation.  One participant said, “I have no idea what we should do next because the way we have set up the business, we have competing business priorities.” While another shared; “Well, we better do something quickly because just like in the real world, we don’t have forever. Just make up your minds as to what’s important”

Every leader, no matter the industry they are in, or the strategy they are executing, is facing the same big challenge - convincing people to stay with their company during a time of disruptive change.  Within the next 36 months, there are a string of changes that your organization will potentially go through - an acquisition, a merger, a business unit split, or maybe all three at the same time!  Leaders who are already being asked to do more with less, will be further challenged to create a positive and exciting environment that offers employees opportunities, recognition, rewards, and consistency.

As we come to the end of Summer, 2016 many business leaders are focusing on closing this current year strong, at the same time they are planning for 2017.  As part of my role helping organizations develop their leadership skills, I spend a lot of time with leaders who are trying to hone their capabilities and apply new skills to deliver the best business results.  Very often, I find well-intentioned leaders overusing the skills of strategic planning, data analysis, understanding customers, and understanding trends.  As Advantexe teaches in our Business Acumen learning journeys, these are great skills to have and should be used every day to maintain a competitive edge and remain successful.  The challenge, however, is spending too much time on the things right in front of you and not enough time listening to the faint weak signals of your business ecosystem that will impact your business in the near future.

In the complex and challenging business world of 2016 and beyond, where everyone is being asked to do more with less, teaching and coaching employees to say “no” may be the most critical skill you develop in your teams and functions.

I was leading a foundational Business Leadership program for front-line managers today and we were discussing the real challenges of being a business in this 24/7 volatile and changing business world.  One of our guest speakers was an executive I truly respect because he is authentic and understands how to manage the expectations of all different types of stakeholders, including sharing his perspectives on saying no.