I had a mentor once who often gave this advice: “Just do the next right thing.”
I have found myself returning to those words again and again during this next normal. Likewise, much of the work I’m doing right now with my clients reflects this principle.
After all, it’s not easy to do a lot of long-term planning right now. Not only does no one know what the future holds, but often my clients' near-term needs are so immediate that they don’t currently have the luxury of thinking years ahead.
So how does one know how to "just do the next right thing"? What does this actually look like for organizational leaders?
I don’t know about you, but right now I feel like I have to really live in the moment to discover what the moment calls for.
As a strategic thinker this has been a tough switch for me. But I am also an analytical thinker, so I love the challenge of analyzing the moment and then taking action.
Here are three approaches that will help you "just do the next right thing" too:
Put Out Fires. Be attuned to your immediate surroundings and which people and things need to be addressed right away. This is the most important approach leaders can take during this time. Does a team member need to be reassured or redirected? Does a project, budget or effort need to be corrected, aligned or adjusted? Often the next right thing to do is obvious, and once you've done it you will see a positive ripple spread throughout your organization.
Honesty IS the Best Policy. At the risk of sounding like the former Girl Scout I am, honesty has never been more important than it is right now. Honesty in word and deed, or integrity, is in short supply as people react out of fear and worry. Tell the truth, share information, let people know what you know and what you're going to do next. Then go do that.
Keep Your Eyes Open. In times of great uncertainty and crisis there will always be inevitable gaps that reveal themselves as systems and routines are disrupted. But this can also be a time to look for opportunities. Is there a service that you should sunset or expand, or another organization that could be a good partner? Don’t forget to check in with your long-term strategy as you gain new insights to determine how to mitigate and leverage your new reality.
