As leaders, it is not difficult to get caught up in the moment, and rightly so. However, we must focus on the present as this is what we can control, yet it is all too often the emotion of now absorbs us.
We are doing well and have experienced a few recent wins that have everyone buoyant and optimistic, and you start to believe you have the winning formula. But, unfortunately, this may signal the onset of future disappointment as we begin to diminish the attention and care that got us here in the first place.
Even worse is when you believe that nothing is correct and your efforts have been in vain or that the team has failed you again. Yet, we forget what we accomplish, and our thoughts of a flop shadow all the good we continue to deliver.
Yet, in truth, either situation is not the reality. Any organization seeking progress, even those who supposedly experience rapid success, will confirm that it was a slow process that required them to work towards the larger goals consistently.
As leaders, we must be pragmatic and give our people a practical, sound perspective. Irrational and volatile behavior of either a positive or negative tone rarely provides many benefits, if any. However, a dose of realism always helps, and when assessing any situation, do not go and blame yourself for all the mishaps, nor should you seek to assign undue blame to a stressed and overworked team.
Everything you’ve done to get here took time. Where you want to go will, too, require time. Just continue working forwards, deliberately and constantly. If you are heading in the right direction, take the next step.
