How adaptable are you as a leader?

Why moving from reactive mode to responsive mode is your secret weapon

Welcome back to the Monday Mojo emails! You may have noticed that we skipped a week. And that instead of being sent on a Sunday, today is…Monday…

If you’re reading this in the UK, you’ll know why. A unique combination of events has led to us experiencing a plethora of public holidays in May (with more to come believe it or not!).

It’s been fun, but discombulating. I love that word.

When businesses and schools are disrupted from their “norm” (which is still a five day week, for now), it can be hard to cope if you’re a leader who enjoys routine. And even though I’m now self-employed as a leadership coach for the comms & marketing industry, I still benefit from a routine.

I time block with my calendar, assign valuable priorities dedicated time in the diary each week and I allocate time after school pick-up each day to hang out with my daughter for a bit. (We discuss everything from what’s happening on reality show “I’m a Celeb” to her progress in getting the boys to pass to her in football and our mutual love for melting middle chocolate puddings - we have range!)

Routine is great. It gives you a sense of structure and when used correctly, help you move closer and faster to achieving your goals.

But…

Your routine can’t become a locked room. A restricted space with no prospect of release, even if the outside world is changing around you.

These four day weeks (not to mention school strikes for some in the UK), require flexibility and the willingness to adapt to changing circumstances.

Does this mean you’re weak? Willing to bend with the wind? Not at all.

As a leader, part of your strength is being able to handle the duality of events. Looking ahead, forecasting and planning for what you want to happen. And being responsive when circumstances demand it.

Note, I said “responsive” not “reactive”. And as a leader, you need to understand the difference. Here it is…