March 2023
Welcome to the Executive Aid Station newsletter, where we provide practical, science-based leadership advice to add value to your busy and challenging day.
– CURVEBALL OF THE MONTH –
As part of my continuing support for leaders to navigate successfully through these times of unrelenting uncertainty, each month I will be sharing an example of a common “curveball” and how it was handled.
When I was contemplating what the “Curveball of the Month” might be for March, I somehow kept coming back to the weather. Yes, the weather. To say it’s been volatile, uncertain and unpredictable here in the Bay Area would be an understatement.
Let’s see…since the start of the new year, we’ve had: record snowfall in the Sierras (at this time 800 inches and counting); hydrologic phenomena called atmospheric rivers and bomb cyclones; thunder, lightning and hail all at the same time; entire towns getting flooded, falling trees killing pedestrians (that’s when you know it’s your time); mudslides, and more.
While the weather woes might not be quite as severe in other parts of the country, most of the continental US has been experiencing some kind of persistent, unusual weather events.
Like many curveballs, we have little or no control over when they hit or the unexpected consequences they create. But how we respond can make the difference between disappointment and resignation—between a negative and a positive outcome.
Here is an example of one of my own recent weather challenges. We were supposed to go to Lake Tahoe for a week, but continuous snow shut down the major highways to the Sierras and cancelled our trip. Bummer. But this created other possibilities:
- The people in the house where we were planning to stay had been trying for three days to get help fixing a flat tire on their car. While we were not able to get there, our delay gave them enough time to get their tire repaired and depart safely.
- The continuous rain has caused havoc in many places, but also has produced a very early crop of spring wildflowers that are popping up in large bunches all over our neighborhood and nearby Golden Gate Park, brightening up what otherwise could be dreary dog walking.
- My Ironman coach reminded me of the benefits (physical and mental) of training in inclement weather. Race Day rarely shows up with temperate, performance-enhancing weather. Running in the rain builds mental toughness and somehow also has a pleasant, soul-cleansing effect.
So the next time weather curveballs arrive at your doorstep, keep an open mind and consider all the possibilities, not just the losses, that can result from Mother Nature’s whims.
– GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK! –
My goal with this segment of the newsletter is to offer monthly science-based tips, ideas, and practical advice that you can use right now to rest, recover, and recharge. Because we all need a break – now more than ever.
I first learned about the concept of “embodied cognition” from author Steven Kotler when I attended an online intensive workshop based on his recent book. Embodied cognition is the theory that many features of cognition are shaped by our bodies, and that our sensory and motor systems are fundamentally integrated with cognitive processing.
More simply, it is the idea that the mind is not only connected to the body, but that the body influences the mind. And for those of us who tend to live “above the neck” and pay scant attention to how what we are experiencing in our body impacts what we are doing – e.g., reading, creating, planning, thinking – the practice of embodied cognition can be very powerful.
Kotler advises practicing “embodied cognition” optimally four times a day, for ten minutes each time. I recommend setting an alarm, just a few random times during the day, to remind yourself to stop to take stock of how you are feeling.
As a practice run, go ahead and do this right now!
Take a moment to just check in. Are you feeling stressed or anxious? Are the muscles in your neck, shoulders, or face tight? How long have you been sitting? Are you making progress on whatever task or project you are working on?
Just the act of stopping, assessing how your body is feeling, and reestablishing the mind-body connection can reenergize your work and help you bring your whole being into the work you are doing.
I am not yet as dedicated to this as I’d like to be, but when I am, I find it to be a refreshing, reinvigorating and restorative practice that has many benefits.
– CHECK THIS OUT… –
Why the simple act of showing appreciation is so powerful
I have shared this simple practice in the past, but it bears repeating for the challenging times we are in. It’s helpful when you have to start a challenging conversation—or any discussion where you want to create a positive mindset in another person.
At the start of a conversation, simply begin with: “What I appreciate about you is…” and then share something positive and valuable you see in that person. That language helps to turn on the part of our brain responsible for human flourishing—including creativity, inspiration and seeing what’s possible.
It also helps to connect people with their strengths or a particular asset you see in them. And that has the multiplier effect of amplifying the things they already do well.
What a great way to truly light up someone’s day!
If you also need to offer constructive feedback, you can follow the appreciative introduction with “…and what I need from you is…” This language can turn a potentially challenging conversation into a positive, generative experience that will benefit both parties.
– HELPING YOU NAVIGATE THROUGH UNCERTAINTY –
These are challenging times for leaders, but here are some ways you can get yourself (and your team) ready for anything:
Purchase copies of my leadership book, When the Curveballs Keep Coming: A Leadership Playbook for Uncertain Times (corporate volume discounts available)
Take my new online VUCA Ready Leadership Assessment
Contact me to find out more about my organizational consulting and advising services and speaking engagements
