Talent Resolution #10: Live in the crisis mindset

By Barry Stern, Ph.D.

It’s time for you to admit it. The last months have caffeinated your world. There’s part of you, regardless of your specific plight, that has found this whole economic mess energizing. Somewhere along the line you decided that you were either going to go fetal or grab for the gusto. And grab you did. You “changed your game” and “did more with less”; thereby developing new muscles, stamina and courage you didn’t know you had. It’s been months since you used the word “proactive” and yet now you actually understand what it means, even in the midst of crises. The term “lifelong learning” actually means something to you. And you found yourself either sitting in a boardroom or at less oxygen-rich organizational levels than those you customarily inhabit.

Eight months ago that craggy jerk who wouldn’t take your calls for the last two years walked into your office, a dumb smile molded onto his face, and asked you to help keep him out of court as he got rid of 20% of his fatso organization. And you did it. And he’s your new best friend and somehow not quite so craggy.

Crises are mobilizing. As new sales plummet and loyal customers flee, the warts on our corporate structures reveal themselves in high ugly relief.  People become figure instead of ground.  As a result, HR professionals are reincarnated as mission critical.  So let’s reflect for a moment as to how you rose to the occasion: 

1. You asked questions to clarify what the end game was unflinchingly and offered your passionate suggestions with nary a thought of intimidation or politics.
2. You resisted your temptation to gather still more data before acting, figuring you were smart enough not to make really silly mistakes.
3. You didn’t define your mistakes as “really silly,” fixed them, and never lost a beat.
4. You implemented while learning and found that you’re pretty good at it.
5. You developed a new personal equilibrium coupled with deepened organizational credibility.

Aren’t you sad all this fun might end? If it does, don’t lose your edge. And if not, I know you will carry on.  Either way, don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me.

Follow the series 10 Talent Resolutions for 2010.

Barry Stern is vice president, Consulting Services and Delivery for Development Dimensions International (DDI). Follow him on Twitter.