Coaching for adaptability - managing uncertain times

Honestly, I am lost and buried in today’s economic downturn. Since mid-last year, my business has plunged by more than 35 per cent. I can’t figure out what my company’s business direction should be now in order to pull out of this. My people are equally lost, bewildered, scared and demoralised. 

How can I prevent further bleeding to stay above ground, and of course, protect my sanity and my people too? 

‘Directionless’ 

 

Leading in times of turbulence and ambiguity is what modern leaders need to accept as the new way of life today. 

One possible reason your company is in this situation is because your people are not used to managing in such times. This is going to be the reality for a long time to come. New skills, such as speed, anticipation, communication and foresight, are required to manage uncertain times and ambiguity.  

The bottom line: Acknowledge the situation and respond carefully, rather than reacting to every chain of events that is happening. Act on what it is and not what you want it to be by flowing with the tide, and distinguish between what is clear and not clear about the situation. From here, establish clearly what is going on and what needs to be done. 

Pool your best people together to brainstorm on what to do to fill in those gaps. Never do this by yourself. Share this information with all your people and spell out exactly what everyone needs to do. Unity at this time is most critical.

Powerful questions: What does the current situation tell you about your management and business practices? What is the learning here? Where is the silver lining? What can you leverage on?

 

Managing cross-cultural conflicts

I have been working in this African country for almost three years now, where I live with a big community of Malaysians who also work for the same organisation. Generally, life here is fine as I have my ‘own kinds’ here, where we have no issues with one another. 

However, I cannot say the same for my African colleagues here, with whom we have big problems. We find them arrogant, stubborn and resistant to following our instructions. Inevitably, we have two distinct cliques – the Malaysians and the Africans – which does not augur well for the spirit of unity and cooperation as we are from the same organisation. 

If nothing is done, I am sure it can become even worse, and the last thing I want to see is some kind of racial conflict between us. It is not that we have not tried. In fact, both sides have, but to no avail. What should we do? 

‘Angry’

 

This is a typical case of cross-cultural conflict, which arises out of lack of understanding and miscommunication between two or more races that come from different backgrounds such as culture, values, beliefs and work styles. 

Somehow. when this happens it is because one party feels that their values etc are better, more correct, superior and so forth, and that the other party should respect and follow their ways. 

In such a situation, both parties fail to see or want to make an effort to understand, accept and respect the other through patience, tolerance, compassion and flexibility. So, when there is none of this, conflict arises.   

The bottom line: Take charge by adopting a change in your mindset and behaviour to be more accepting of them. 

It is really beneficial to hold frequent heart-to-heart dialogues, including cross-cultural ones where the agenda is to understand each other’s culture and behaviour. 

In the course of doing this, it is certain many issues will get ironed out at the same time. 

For new employees coming on board, it is worthwhile to educate each other on cross-cultural matters, as well.

Break up the cliques by ensuring that there is a healthy mix of races in any department. 

Doing all these things will go to show the management’s sincerity in wanting to build a united (and not a divisive) team in the organisation. 

Powerful questions: What is your vision of a united team consisting of different races? How will you know when such a vision is achieved? What will make this possible? Where is the first place to start? 

 

Corporate Coach Academy is a coaching school in Asia for the certification of leaders of all backgrounds to become manager-coaches or professional certified coaches in the region. Log in to www.corporate-coachacademy.com or e-mail [email protected] for details.