What is Strategic Influence in These Times?

The confluence of events taking place right now is a stark call to reflection and then a call to action. No organization needs to make hasty decisions right now. Think deeply. Plan strategically. Execute carefully. Stay the course. Maintain the vision.

Event: The war in Ukraine continues to rage on with Ukraine using secretly shipped U.S. missiles to launch an attack. Israel has carried out an airstrike alleged to have killed over 500 people in Gaza near a hospital. Microsoft’s LinkedIn has laid off 700 workers from finance, engineering, and HR departments. European markets are hoping for the Israel-Hamas war to be short and have markets on the uptick while the U.S. markets show concern. Strikes in the U.S. have increased, with Detroit casino workers next up to the plate. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has a lot on his plate while inflation concerns continue. All signs are pointing toward a downward trend in global stability, and organizations need to prepare to do their part to steer society through uncertain times rather than cutting back at the expense of any longevity in the future.

Mundane Perspective: While the wait-and-see method may seem to be the best bet right now, it’s not the most strategic message to send. People are struggling to find gainful employment or meaningful client accounts in a world of uncertainty that is so vast people do not even know which fields of study or upskilling opportunities to pursue in the downtime. When the world appears to go to shit, it is natural to turn inward and focus on the survival of self and one’s family, but when leading an organization – big or small – the focus can never solely be on the self. This responsibility is not limited to the C-suite. It rings true for all leadership positions in any organization, from the field manager to the director to the CEO.

Esoteric Perspective: As within, so without. What energy and perspective are you holding within that is guiding your outward decisions and actions? Are you operating from fear of the unknown or an informed perspective that incorporates the patterns of history? Are you making educated decisions or winging it to impress your peers out of self-preservation?

What this means for you: The current political and economic climate is likely to get worse before it gets better, as with all forms of illness and sickness. What we are witnessing is a resurgence of the collective illness of humanity – the failings and vices of human nature overtaking us at the highest levels of society with no regard for the lowest levels. Your organization, no matter the size or sector, will be impacted if it has not already. Do not take your ability to survive for granted. It is now your responsibility to lead and help the next player up.

What to do about it: As you reorganize and restructure, balance your considerations with short-term survival and long-term bounce back. Review the patterns of history as well as the congruities between war and economic downturn. Most in the private sector despise dealing with politics and war and aspire to be neutral market players only focused on the numbers and the results. However, politics will always play a role in your organization beyond taxation and ethical regulations. Think bigger. Plan beyond your own survival. Be the leader that doesn’t cut off your nose to spite your face.

Your biggest strategic influence opportunity right now is in how you choose to lead during these uncertain times. Are you imposing hiring freezes to keep your current staff afloat? Are you investing in consultants or in-house risk teams to monitor corporate espionage from foreign adversaries? Are you making plans to launch a mentorship program for startups and small businesses that need help recovering or surviving these trying times? Are you making staff cuts from the right areas of your business as opposed to what is popular in the industry?

Plan wisely. Execute strategically. Your next communications campaign needs to paint the picture of how you thrived and led well during times of calamity and war. Surrender to what is happening and make decisions that accept the reality we all face and move us forward in a positive and constructive way.

Need change management and strategy support for your organization or yourself as a leader? Book your consultation and let’s get this done!

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