eBusiness Weekly
Arthur Marara
This is Part Four of “Leading through disruption”
Stay Focused on Your Goals:
Disruptive times can be distracting, but it’s important to remain focused on your goals and objectives. Keep your team aligned on the mission and vision of the organisation and ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals. This will help your team stay motivated and focused during challenging times.
The obvious question is how do you keep aligned. I will address it in the first part of this instalment, and terminate the conversation with strategies on how to stay focused.
How do you keep the team aligned?
To keep teams aligned on the mission and vision of an organisation, leaders can employ the following strategies:
Clearly communicate the mission and vision
Leaders should articulate the organisation’s mission and vision in a clear and concise manner. This includes explaining the purpose, goals and desired impact of the organisation. Communication channels such as team meetings, email updates and company-wide announcements can be utilised to ensure that everyone understands the mission and vision.
Lead by example
Leaders must embody the mission and vision themselves. By consistently demonstrating behaviours and actions that align with the organisation’s values and goals, leaders set the tone for their teams. When employees see their leaders actively working towards the mission and vision, they are more likely to follow suit.
Foster open and transparent communication
Encourage regular and open communication within the team. Provide opportunities for employees to ask questions, share ideas and provide feedback. This helps create a sense of shared ownership and ensures that everyone feels connected to the mission and vision. Leaders should also be receptive to feedback and address any concerns or misconceptions promptly.
Set clear goals and expectations
Align individual and team goals with the organisation’s mission and vision. Define specific objectives that contribute to the larger picture and communicate them clearly to the team members. This helps employees understand how their work directly supports the organisation’s overarching goals, fostering a sense of purpose and alignment.
Provide ongoing education and training
Regularly educate team members about the mission and vision through training sessions, workshops, or presentations. This helps employees deepen their understanding and commitment to the organisation’s goals. Additionally, providing professional development opportunities allows individuals to grow in their roles and better contribute to the mission.
Recognise and reward alignment
Acknowledge and appreciate individuals and teams that demonstrate alignment with the organisation’s mission and vision. Recognitions can take various forms, such as public praise, rewards, or promotions.
Celebrating successes reinforces the importance of staying aligned and motivates others to do the same.
Regularly revisit and refine the mission and vision
As organisations evolve, it’s essential for leaders to periodically revisit and refine the mission and vision statements. Engage employees in this process to ensure their perspectives are considered. By keeping the mission and vision relevant and up-to-date, leaders maintain alignment and adapt to changing circumstances.
Remember, maintaining alignment on the mission and vision is an ongoing effort. It requires consistent communication, active engagement and effective leadership to keep teams motivated and focused on shared goals.
How to stay focused in 10 steps
In disruptive times, it’s crucial for leaders to stay focused and guide their teams effectively. Here are some strategies that can help leaders maintain focus:
#1. Define your goals
Clearly articulate your short-term and long-term goals. This will help you and your team understand the direction you need to move in, even amidst disruption.
#2. Prioritise ruthlessly
Identify the most critical tasks and activities that align with your goals. Focus your energy and resources on those priorities, and delegate or eliminate tasks that are less essential.
#3. Communicate openly
Keep an open line of communication with your team. Regularly share updates, provide context, and address any concerns. This helps keep everyone aligned and minimises distractions caused by misinformation or uncertainty.
#4. Stay adaptable
Disruptive times often require flexibility and adaptability. Be open to new ideas and approaches, and encourage your team members to think creatively. Adaptability allows leaders to pivot quickly and navigate through unexpected challenges.
#5. Manage information overload
In a rapidly changing environment, information can be overwhelming. Establish filters and reliable sources to stay updated without getting overwhelmed. Delegate information gathering and analysis tasks to trusted team members if possible.
#6. Take care of yourself
It’s important for leaders to prioritise self-care. Maintain a healthy work-life balance, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and engage in activities that help you relax and recharge. Taking care of yourself will enhance your ability to stay focused and make sound decisions.
#7. Seek support and feedback
Surround yourself with a network of trusted advisors or mentors who can provide guidance during challenging times. Actively seek feedback from your team and stakeholders to gain different perspectives and refine your approach.
#8. Break tasks into manageable chunks
Large or complex projects can seem daunting during disruptions. Break them down into smaller, manageable tasks. This way, you can focus on completing one step at a time, which helps maintain momentum and motivation.
#9. Celebrate small victories
Recognise and celebrate achievements along the way, no matter how small. This fosters a sense of progress and motivation within your team despite the disruptive environment.
#10. Reflect and learn
Take time to reflect on lessons learned from disruptions. Use these experiences to improve your leadership approach and develop strategies for future challenges.
By applying these strategies, leaders can navigate disruptive times with focus, resilience, and an ability to guide their teams effectively.
◆ Arthur Marara is a corporate law attorney, keynote speaker, corporate and personal branding speaker commanding the stage with his delightful humour, raw energy, and wealth of life experiences. He is a financial wellness expert and is passionate about addressing the issues of wellness, strategy and personal and professional development. Arthur is the author of “Toys for Adults” a thought provoking book on entrepreneurship, and “No one is Coming” a book that seeks to equip leaders to take charge. Send your feedback to [email protected] or Visit his website www.arthurmarara.com or contact him on WhatsApp: +263780055152 or call +263772467255.
