How to take action in times of uncertainty.
All of us are impacted by this pandemic, if we’ve lost a job, need to pivot, or are busier than ever. A wise colleague recently told me that we need to be thinking about our actions right now on three time horizons: short term, mid-term and long term. In the short term, we need to be taking action – making moves in this uncertain time. To prepare for the mid-term we need to look at the possible scenarios in front of us and create plans for multiple outcomes, so that we’re ready to respond, not react. Finally, we always need to keep the long term in mind: what are our fundamentals? How are we grounded in our values and doing the most important work, even 5 years from now?
I’ve found a great tool for thinking about the short term (with the mid- and long term in mind as well), and determining how to take action now. I’ve been learning so much from the thinkers of Liberating Structures lately, especially folks using the Strategy Knotworking structure. I had a chance led by LS folks in the Knotworking group to use this framework to do some reflection – and it was game changing! I felt instantly more connected to where I am in this ever-shifting context of the pandemic, and able to clear the fog from my next steps.
Taking 15 minutes to reflect on where you are right now can help center you in your decision making so that you are able to make the congruent next step. None of us have a crystal ball, we don’t know the future. Yet, if we can align with our values and our knowing, we figure out how to take the next step. From there – the next one. Before we know it we’ll be in the post-covid reality, whatever that looks like, and still connected to our purpose and able to do our important work in the world.
Here’s the activity below – shoot me an email if you have any questions! And if you want to talk more about making plans for the mid-term or the long term, reach out to me. I would love to work with you to prepare your organization to be ready to take your next step.
Strategy Knotworking 6x6 Activity
Materials: Paper, pen, timer or clock
There are six prompts in this activity. You have 2 minutes to respond to each question. Try to write 6 answers to each question within the 2 minutes – writing the entire time.
Question 1: Purpose – What is the common thread through all of my vital work?
Question 2: Context – The uncertainties most critical for me right now are…
Question 3: Challenge – How are you living in two worlds simultaneously? What are those worlds?
Question 4: Baseline – Honestly, it feels like I’m starting…
Question 5: Ambition – When all is said and done, what I really want….
Question 6: Action and Evaluation – Things I can no longer commit to are…
After you answer these questions spend time reflecting on: What is most vital for me to pay attention to right now? (This can be more writing, spend another 5 minutes. Or in conversation – 10 minutes with a partner who also did the reflection).
Finally – What is your next congruent step?