Big thinking during big change

There’s no shortage of change right now.  Most organisations are experiencing some kind of disruption and need for adaption.  Whilst we hear often enough that change is the new constant, it doesn’t make it easier to deal with.   

In these times we may be tempted to think smaller, safer and in a more controlled way.  This means limiting forward planning and thinking, favouring the comfort of sticking to what we know has worked for us before.  This provides a feeling of safety and security.  However, it keeps us static, small  and it hinders growth.  An alternative is to instead embrace a more strategic, innovative, and expansive mindset. You can encourage your team to do this too, so it is a shared mindset across the team.  Here's how to foster bigger thinking and creativity in yourself and your team, even in times of rapid change. 

Embrace a Growth Mindset

During uncertain times, it's crucial to adopt a growth mindset rather than a fixed one. Instead of viewing challenges as insurmountable obstacles, see them as opportunities for learning and innovation. Encourage your team to do the same by: 

- Celebrating failures as learning experiences

- Rewarding effort and creative problem-solving

- Emphasising continuous improvement and adaptability 

Focus on Long-Term Vision

While it's easy to get caught up in short-term survival mode, it's best to maintain a focus on long-term goals and vision. This approach helps to:

- Anchor decision-making in the company's mission and purpose

- Identify opportunities for growth and innovation amid challenges

- Inspire and motivate your team with a compelling future vision

Foster a Culture of Creativity and Innovation

To avoid small thinking, deliberately cultivate an environment that encourages creativity and big ideas. Some strategies include:

- Organising regular brainstorming sessions

- Creating cross-functional teams to tackle challenges

- Implementing an idea management system to capture and evaluate suggestions

Invest in Strategic Thinking

During uncertain times, it's more important than ever to be deliberate and strategic in your approach. Set aside time for:

- Scenario planning to anticipate potential challenges and opportunities

- SWOT analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats

- Competitive analysis to stay ahead of industry trends

Encourage Risk-Taking

Innovation often requires calculated risk-taking. Create an environment where team members feel safe to propose and pursue bold ideas. This can involve:

- Allocating resources for experimental projects

- Recognizing and rewarding innovative thinking, regardless of outcomes

- Sharing stories of successful risks taken by the company or industry leaders 

Prioritise Learning and Development

Invest in your team's growth to expand their capabilities and perspectives. This can include:

- Providing access to online courses and webinars

- Organizing internal knowledge-sharing sessions

- Encouraging attendance at industry conferences and events 

Practice Open Communication 

Transparent and frequent communication is essential during uncertain times. Use it to:

- Share the company's vision and strategy

- Discuss challenges openly and invite solutions from all levels

- Celebrate successes and progress towards goals 

Look for Opportunities in Crisis

Train yourself and your team to see potential opportunities in every challenge. This might involve: 

- Identifying new market needs created by economic shifts

- Exploring ways to repurpose existing resources or skills

- Considering strategic partnerships or collaborations

Lead by Example 

As a leader, your mindset and actions set the tone for your entire team. Demonstrate big thinking by:

- Sharing your own ambitious ideas and visions

- Taking calculated risks and discussing the outcomes openly

- Continuously seeking out new information and perspectives

Through these strategies, you can create an environment that fosters big thinking, creativity, and innovation, even in the face of economic uncertainty.

Remember, it's during challenging times that the most groundbreaking ideas often emerge. By encouraging your team to think big and by fostering a culture of innovation, you position your team not just to survive, but to thrive in the face of change.