Aegis Performance Group - Blog

Giving Thanks: A Simple Guide to Appreciating Your Team

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 18:14:27 GMT

In the fast-paced world of business, where deadlines loom and targets must be met, it's easy to overlook the heartbeat of your organization—your colleagues. As the holiday season approaches, there's no better time to pause and express gratitude for the hardworking individuals who contribute to the success of your business. Let's explore some simple yet impactful ways to show your employees that you are genuinely thankful for their dedication.

Personalized Appreciation:
Take a moment to acknowledge the unique contributions of each team member. A personalized note, a brief thank-you email, or even a handwritten card can go a long way in making individuals feel seen and valued. Recognizing their specific achievements or efforts shows that you pay attention and appreciate their distinct contributions to the team. Bonus: extend beyond one-on-one interactions by publicly acknowledging achievements in team meetings.

Create a Positive Physical Environment:
The physical workspace plays a role in colleague well-being. Show appreciation by creating a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing environment. Consider adding plants, artwork, or comfortable break areas to enhance the overall workplace experience.

Peer Mentorship Program:
Establish a peer mentorship program where seasoned employees mentor newer team members. This not only facilitates knowledge transfer but also fosters a sense of appreciation for the support and guidance received within the team. Reach out to our team at Aegis, we have a great peer mentoring toolkit!

Team Building Events:
Plan team-building events or social gatherings outside of the usual work environment. These events provide a casual setting for you to connect with your team on a personal level, expressing your appreciation in a more relaxed atmosphere. Shared experiences foster camaraderie, creating a positive and cohesive culture on your team.

Encourage Peer-to-Peer Recognition:
Build a culture of appreciation among team members by encouraging peer-to-peer recognition. This can be as simple as creating a platform for employees to give each other shout-outs or establishing a system where colleagues can nominate each other for exceptional efforts.

Listen Actively:
Demonstrate appreciation by actively listening to your employees. Take the time to understand their concerns, ideas, and feedback. Knowing that their voices are heard and valued contributes to a sense of appreciation and belonging.

Investing in Professional Development:
Show your commitment to your employees' growth by investing in their professional development. This could involve sponsoring training programs, workshops, or providing resources for skill-building. Demonstrating a dedication to their career advancement reinforces the idea that you value their potential and want to see them succeed. Our team at Aegis is standing by to help you with this!

As we approach the season of giving thanks, let's remember that expressing gratitude is not just reserved for the dinner table. Taking the time to show your employees that you appreciate their hard work and dedication can have a profound impact on their motivation and job satisfaction. Small gestures, personalized recognition, and a genuine commitment to their well-being go a long way in fostering a positive and thriving work environment. This holiday season, let your team know how thankful you are for each and every one of them, and watch as the spirit of gratitude transforms your workplace.

Secret to Unlock Innovation – Ask this Question

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 13:09:14 GMT

Author

Stacey C. Cunningham

Breaking free from the confines of command-and-control leadership is no easy task. As you embark on your journey, be prepared for the challenges and growing pains that lie ahead. In your pursuit of excellence and trust in your staff, never lose sight of your "wants" and "whys" - let them guide you like a compass. Remember, true change aligns with your desire for innovation and elevating your team beyond their comfort zones.

Questioning the Status Quo
Captain Mike Abrashoff's leadership style was rooted in one fundamental question:

"Is there a better way to do what you do?" (ch. 1).

He realized that just because specific tasks had always been done a certain way, it didn't mean they were the most effective or efficient methods. He leveraged a wealth of untapped potential by empowering his crew to question and challenge existing processes. After all, who knows better than those who perform the tasks day in and day out?

Individual Contributions and Organizational Goals
When we zoom out to see the bigger picture, we recognize that each individual's contributions play a vital role in achieving organizational goals. Abrashoff understood the power of streamlining and improving processes to benefit the entire organization. To harness this potential, he would often ask his team if they thought there was a better way to accomplish the goals set by his superiors. By allowing his crew to make a meaningful impact, he fostered a culture of engagement and innovation – a lesson he learned from exit surveys.

Move over Status Quo
While it might be tempting to maintain the status quo, ask yourself if it aligns with your aspirations and the lessons you've learned. Mike offered his crew a clear path forward if they genuinely desired to inspire excellence. Organizations should reward risk-takers, even if they stumble along the way.

"Promotions should go to innovators and pioneers" (Introduction).

You cultivate a climate of open communication and trust by encouraging your crew to share their insights and ideas without fear of punishment. Empowering your team to influence the organization on a larger scale fosters a sense of ownership and drives invested excellence.

Take Action
Reflect on the processes you currently have in place to gather insights from your crew.

o How often do you actively solicit their ideas and seek improvements?
o In other words, how frequently do you ask, "Is there a better way?"
o Challenge yourself to create opportunities for your team to share their innovative solutions. Evaluate how you encourage and respond to their ideas, ensuring that you foster an environment that values and rewards creativity and forward-thinking.

Embracing change and leading with an innovation-centric mindset is a transformative journey. As you navigate this path, remember the power of asking the question, "Is there a better way?" By valuing the insights and ideas of your crew, you tap into a wellspring of untapped potential. As a leader, you are responsible for creating an environment that encourages open communication, rewards risk-taking, and promotes a culture of trust and excellence. Together, let us unleash the power of innovation and elevate our teams to new heights of success.

If you need help along this journey, reach out to us.

Venture Outside the Safety of the Harbor

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 00:23:31 GMT

Author

Stacey C. Cunningham

Stepping into the realm of impactful leadership requires courage and a willingness to venture beyond the confines of comfort. As you embark on this journey, the rewards will far outweigh any initial resistance encountered. By gaining the trust and commitment of your 'crew' you will witness their remarkable growth and performance. Let’s delve into the fascinating insights of Captain Mike Abrashoff, a true leader who mastered the art of empowerment.

By understanding the crew's perspective, Mike Abrashoff's exceptional leadership prowess sprang from his ability to walk in his crew's shoes. Through insightful interviews, he discovered the core desires of his 'crew':

The yearning for respect and dignity
The drive to make a meaningful impact on the organization
The need to be heard and valued
The desire for increased responsibility and recognition

Armed with these profound insights, Abrashoff realized that empowering his sailors was the key to enhancing the ship's performance. However, this approach did not entail granting unrestricted autonomy. Rather, it involved empowering individuals to make decisions within their authority to drive overall team improvement. As he famously said,

"And the more responsibility they were given, the more they learned" (ch.1).

Establishing empowerment guidelines ensured that each crew member felt appropriately authorized, Abrashoff understood the importance of setting clear guidelines. Safety, fiscal responsibility, and the integrity of the ship were his 'lines in the sand' that demanded his consultation. After all, the lives and well-being of the crew were his ultimate responsibility.

Similarly, working within the rules and operating procedures yourself is crucial as a leader. Upholding the authority and support of your superiors sends a powerful message to your 'crew' fostering a culture of mutual respect and collaboration. Abrashoff emphasized this point:

"In any organization, your people need to know that you support your chain of command. If they see you freelancing, they will feel free not to support you when they disagree with your policies" (ch.3).

Every individual, from superiors to crew members, plays a vital role in leadership. When each person is empowered to perform their duties to the best of their abilities, the entire team thrives. Safety is upheld, costs are controlled, and productivity soars.

Take Action
Consider the conditions under which you want your crew to feel empowered to act autonomously.

o Define your personal 'lines in the sand' – the critical decision-making thresholds that require consultation. By forming these boundaries, you maintain control, protect the interests of the team, and ensure accountability for any potential consequences.

As you venture into the realm of empowering leadership, remember that sailing outside your safe harbor is a prerequisite for transformation. By understanding the crew's perspective, defining empowerment guidelines, and upholding your role within the organizational hierarchy, you pave the way for excellence. You and your crew will embark on a remarkable journey toward achieving shared goals while creating a culture of trust, growth, and success.

"Take Command" - Transforming USS Benfold

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 14:28:05 GMT

Author

Stacey C. Cunningham

USS Benfold is a ship that once ranked near the bottom of the Pacific fleet. It was a vessel
plagued by low morale, dysfunctional relationships, and a crew that had grown disillusioned with
their previous captain. As the PA system announced the departure of their now former leader,
instead of bidding him a fond farewell, the crew erupted into cheers of relief. It was at this
moment that Captain Mike Abrashoff knew that his crew needed him to lead differently.

Not an Ordinary Leader
Captain Abrashoff possessed an uncanny ability to perceive the hidden connections between
performance and leadership. Instead of dwelling on the past, he pondered a crucial question:
How could he prevent the same fate from befalling him in two years' time? The crew he
inherited was battle-hardened but harbored deep resentment towards their former captain.

Abrashoff understood that being liked wasn't the key to success; respect, trust, and
effectiveness were the cornerstones of great leadership. With this newfound realization, he
embarked on a mission to transform USS Benfold into “the best damn ship in the Navy”.

The Root Cause
To gain a deeper understanding of the ship's current state, Captain Abrashoff conducted exit
surveys. The feedback he received painted a vivid picture of the crew's grievances. Topping the
list were issues like a lack of respect, the inability to make a meaningful impact, being unheard,
and an absence of rewarding responsibilities.

Low pay was on the list, but to Captain Abrashoff’s surprise, it was #5 on the list. Instead of
fixating on what he couldn’t control, Abrashoff focused on those top four issues he could
influence: showing respect to his crew, connecting them to a greater purpose, listening
aggressively with the intent to understand the crew’s perspective, and building his crew up with
the training they needed to take on more rewarding responsibilities.

Equipped with a clear understanding of the crew's struggles and armed with a burning desire for
change, Captain Abrashoff realized that he needed to shift the ship's leadership paradigm. He
firmly believed that helping individuals unlock their full potential could lead to achievements far
beyond what traditional command and control structures could accomplish.

Ultimately, at the conclusion of Captain Abrashoff’s time as Commander of USS Benfold, he
gave the shortest change of command ceremony speech in Naval history. Captain Abrashoff said to his crew, “You know how I feel.” That was it, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd. He left Benfold better than he found it and set Benfold on a path to even greater success.

Take Action
Now, take a moment to reflect on our own life. Imagine yourself as the captain of your own
vessel.

o What is the current state of affairs on your "ship"?

o Are you navigating rough waters or sailing smoothly toward your destination?

Now, close your eyes and envision the future you truly desire.

o Picture a crew that is not just content but inspired. A crew that thrives under your
leadership, where respect, trust, and effectiveness reign supreme.

o Visualize an environment where everyone's voice is heard, impact is felt, and rewards
and responsibilities flow abundantly.

o What are some steps you can begin taking today to achieve your desired future? Reach
out to us if you need help.

Like Captain Abrashoff, it is crucial for each of us to pause and assess our own circumstances.
By understanding where we currently stand and envisioning the future we want, we can steer
our ship towards greatness. So, what does your desired state of affairs look like, and how will
you make your vision a reality?

The Power of signals

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 19:30:37 GMT

Author

Stacey C. Cunningham

In the realm of leadership, your 'crew' closely observes your every move. Your behavior, reactions, words, and responses send powerful signals about what you consider acceptable, valuable, and important. If you aspire to inspire trust, open communication, and excellence within your crew, your actions and words must cultivate a culture that embodies these qualities.

The Importance of Signals
Captain Mike Abrashoff emphasizes that every decision made and every action taken trains the crew on how to operate. The signals you send, consciously or unconsciously, play a pivotal role in establishing the norms and values of your team. As he states,

"The signals you send are important. You train your crew how to operate through every decision you make and every action you take" (ch.3).

The Power of Empathetic Leadership
Abrashoff shares a compelling story of a seemingly straightforward case involving a soldier who fell asleep on watch. Rather than reacting swiftly and punitively, Abrashoff chose a different path. He sought to understand why the sailor had fallen asleep. It turned out that the same soldier had been assigned to clean the workspace until 8 AM due to staffing shortages and then immediately assigned to watch. This incident served as a powerful wake-up call for Abrashoff, highlighting the importance of approachability and open communication.

Three Questions for Reflective Leadership
To ensure he provided the necessary support to his crew, Abrashoff developed three questions he would ask himself before giving an order or responding to poor results:

Did I clearly articulate the goal?
Did I give them enough time and resources to complete the assignment?
Did I provide sufficient training?

By thoroughly examining these questions, Mike demonstrated that his crew's well-being and success were his top priorities. This approach signaled to his team that they were valued and supported.

The Truth-Telling Culture
Abrashoff recounts an incident as an ensign on the USS Albert David, where the commanding officer and commodore lied to protect their careers after damaging a propeller. When a junior officer overheard the truth and shared it with a friend, the commanding officer resorted to threats. Abrashoff recognized the detrimental impact of such a culture on trust and honesty within the ranks.

To foster a culture of truth-telling, leaders must be willing to speak and hear the truth respectfully. Abrashoff asserts,

"It would be far better if we developed a culture that allowed people to tell the truth... Instead, we have a culture that repeatedly shows lower ranks how the upper ranks lie or evade the obvious truth to avoid blame and save their careers" (ch.3).

Take Action
Take a moment to reflect on a recent situation where you may not have sent a productive or desired signal.

With the benefit of hindsight, consider what you could have done differently to align your actions with your intentions. Furthermore, identify the signal you need to send to your crew this week to reinforce the desired culture and values.

As a leader, your signals have a profound impact on your crew. By leading with empathy, asking reflective questions, and fostering a culture of truth-telling, you create an environment that promotes trust, open communication, and excellence. Remember, your crew is always watching, so be intentional with the signals you send, for they will shape the behavior and performance of your team.

Strengthening Workplace Bonds: Uniting Teams for Success

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 00:43:29 GMT

Author

Stacey C. Cunningham

Have you ever encountered someone who describes their workplace as "like a family"? We spend a significant portion of our lives at work, making it crucial to develop meaningful relationships with our colleagues. Consider the profound bond shared by military personnel, who refer to each other as brothers and sisters. Despite disagreements or conflicts, their unwavering connection remains unbreakable. Similarly, fostering strong relationships within organizations can yield numerous benefits, including enhanced employee retention, increased innovation, and heightened productivity. Let's explore a real-life example featuring one of our healthcare clients that successfully tackled inter-site disconnect through our Culture of Excellence and Innovation program.

Creating Unity Within a Network:
Our healthcare client faced a challenge—a "them vs. us" mindset among different sites within their network, and a lack of respect for the cultures within each site. To address this issue, our team initiated the Culture of Excellence and Innovation program, which aimed to uncover the root causes of the discord and identify potential solutions. It became evident that each site possessed a unique identity and culture, deserving of respect and understanding. However, it was crucial to unite these sites under a common network banner to facilitate collaboration and shared goals.

Fostering Connection through Engaging Activities:
Recognizing the importance of forging connections and building a sense of community, the team devised a plan to bring the sites together. They organized a series of engaging activities that allowed colleagues from different sites to interact, get to know one another, and have fun. To further strengthen the bond, they extended invitations to colleagues' families, recognizing the integral role they play in employees' lives. Initially expecting around 100 attendees for their first event, the team was astonished when a staggering 500 people eagerly signed up—truly exceeding expectations!

Unveiling the Desire for Connection:
The overwhelming response to the event not only underscored its significance but also highlighted the deep longing for opportunities to connect with colleagues from across sites and teams. It revealed that employees yearn for platforms that facilitate collaboration, understanding, and camaraderie beyond their immediate work circles. By acknowledging and nurturing this desire, organizations can harness the full potential of their workforce and cultivate a thriving and unified workplace culture.

The power of workplace relationships should never be underestimated. Just as military personnel forge unbreakable bonds as brothers and sisters, fostering connections among colleagues can yield profound benefits for organizations. The healthcare client's journey demonstrates that creating opportunities for employees to come together, share experiences, and celebrate their collective achievements can bridge gaps, enhance collaboration, and fuel a sense of belonging. By prioritizing employee bonding events and cultivating a culture of unity, organizations can unlock the true potential of their teams, leading to increased satisfaction, innovation, and productivity.

Best Practices:
We leave you with one crucial piece of advice: do not solely rely on your organization's annual event to build and strengthen these relationships. To foster lasting connections, it is essential to schedule regular events, both big and small, that facilitate interaction and camaraderie among colleagues. Be creative and think outside the box! Following in the footsteps of our healthcare client, consider planning a community service day where employees can band together and make a positive impact in their community. By engaging in shared experiences beyond the confines of work, you can forge even stronger bonds.

Remember, when the going gets tough, these are the people you rely on—your work family. Treat them as such, with respect, support, and empathy. By investing time and effort into nurturing these relationships, you cultivate an environment that fosters collaboration, innovation, and long-term success. So, seize the opportunity, organize events that bring your team together, and create a work family that stands united through thick and thin.

Whether you represent a sprawling multi-site hospital network or a close-knit individual team, our transformative Culture of Excellence & Innovation Program equips you with the tools to identify actionable steps that will transform your organization into a place where individuals are not only motivated to stay but also inspired to bring their best selves to work each day. Contact us today for more information.

I'm All Ears: The Power of Trust, Dignity, and Respect in Leadership

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 17:59:53 GMT

Author

Stacey C. Cunningham

The importance of building a climate of trust, dignity, and respect within your crew cannot be understated. As a leader, it is not enough to merely be visible; you must consciously try to truly see and hear each individual in your team. By creating authentic connections and valuing the uniqueness of every crew member, you unlock their hidden potential. These connections can only be achieved by actively listening and building meaningful relationships.

The Power of Being Seen
Inspired by the leadership of William Perry, United States Secretary of Defense, Mike understood the significance of truly seeing and hearing people. Perry's undivided attention allowed individuals to flourish in his presence. Abrashoff adopted this approach when he took command of USS Benfold, making it his personal goal to treat every encounter as the most important moment. By giving someone your full attention, you show respect and prioritize what is important to them. They cease being just a member of your crew and become an individual whose thoughts and ideas are valued.

Forging Real Relationships
Mike conducted personal interviews with each crew member to foster genuine connections, delving beyond surface-level information. He took the time to learn about their strengths, goals, and personal lives. Through this process, he gained insights into their unique talents and aspirations. This knowledge benefited not only him but also the crew members themselves. They felt respected and appreciated, knowing their hopes, dreams, and loved ones mattered. Mike assisted them in pursuing their goals and aligning their work with a greater purpose.

Harnessing the Power of Knowledge
One of the most significant benefits of building relationships with your crew is tapping into their knowledge and expertise. Mike recognized that the people doing the hands-on work often possess valuable insights that officers may overlook. By actively listening to their suggestions and celebrating their contributions, he empowered the entire crew and improved the organization as a whole. The sense of purpose and accountability that emerged from this community of trust, dignity, and respect propelled the crew members to excel.

To enhance relationship-building, explore avenues for improvement. Encourage open communication channels and create a safe space for your crew to share their thoughts and ideas. Actively seek their input and involve them in decision-making processes. Doing so fosters a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered. Align your goals with the individual goals of your crew members, helping them see how their contributions contribute to a greater purpose. Invest in their growth and development, assisting them in charting their own course to success.

Take Action
Reflect on your current intentional strategies for building relationships with your crew.

o   How do you make an effort to see and hear each individual?
o   Consider ways to deepen these connections and foster a sense of belonging within your team.
o   Additionally, assess how these strategies align your goals with your people's goals and aspirations. Explore opportunities to create a shared purpose and enable each person to apply their unique talents.

Building relationships based on trust, dignity, and respect is a transformative journey that elevates both individuals and the collective. By seeing and hearing each crew member, you unlock their hidden potential and cultivate a sense of purpose and accountability. Actively listen, forge real connections, and harness the power of knowledge within your team. Let us create a community that values and celebrates every individual, fostering an environment where all can contribute, excel, and achieve greatness.

Mastering Email Overload: Unlocking Time-Management Secrets for Optimal Productivity

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 23:02:06 GMT

Author

Stacey C. Cunningham

Did you know that the average worker spends a staggering 28% of their workweek managing emails? That's valuable time that could be utilized for more important tasks. However, by implementing simple yet effective email management strategies, you can potentially save 1-2 hours per day. Imagine the possibilities of having an extra 8-16 hours in your week—taking time off, tackling crucial responsibilities, or indulging in much-needed rest and relaxation!

Identifying the Email Challenge:
Our recent client survey revealed that 90% of their staff desired training to address timing, volume, and general email management. As participants in our Culture of Excellence and Innovation program, this team embraced the challenge of finding solutions that would have a profound impact throughout their organization. Email overload is a common struggle shared by many clients we work with, alongside the burden of excessive meetings. However, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to these issues.

Starting Small, Thinking Big:
We encouraged the team to start small, recognizing that revolutionizing email management requires a series of strategic steps. Leveraging the five key skills of innovators (associating, questioning, observing, experimenting, and networking), they developed a simple six-step toolkit to be integrated into existing training, including new employee orientation. This toolkit aims to cultivate a healthier approach to email as a communication tool, fostering efficiency and productivity.

One Easy Tip to Implement Today:
While we can't cover everything in a single blog post, here's one valuable tip to get started: utilize the "delay send" feature in your email client. How often have you received an email that immediately compels you to break focus and respond? Or worse, notifications invade your personal time, tempting you to engage outside working hours? These habits disrupt concentration and work-life balance. Instead, if an email can wait until 8:00 AM tomorrow, schedule it to be sent first thing in the morning using the "delay send" feature. By doing so, you prioritize your focus, respect boundaries, and allow your communication to be dealt with at the appropriate time.

Let's Shape Your Culture:
At Aegis, we are passionate about helping organizations build a culture where individuals can perform their best every day. If you're seeking to enhance productivity, ownership, and engagement within your organization, let's start a conversation. Reach out to us today.

Think like a boss

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 15:10:16 GMT

Author

Stacey C. Cunningham

Are you yearning for growth and advancement in a position that stifles your leadership potential Perhaps you are looking for ways to establish yourself as a key player in your organization.

The time has come to start thinking like a boss! Captain Mike Abrashoff discovered the power of thinking like his boss and reaping the benefits it brought. Adopting a strategic mindset and anticipating your superiors' needs can enhance your performance and prepare you for future leadership roles.

The Path to Leadership Excellence
Abrashoff's journey taught him the distinction between being an individual contributor and a team leader. To grasp this distinction, he had to develop the ability to think like his boss. This shift in mindset elevated his performance and prepared him for higher-ranking roles within the Navy.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Boss
Incorporating the expectations of your boss into your team's goals is crucial to build trust and establish authority. When making decisions and completing tasks, put yourself in "the shoes of your boss." By aligning your work with your leader's objectives, you proactively demonstrate your commitment to the organization's success. Abrashoff recognized that his boss desired a ship that safely fulfilled operational responsibilities, stayed under budget, fostered high morale, and retained talented sailors.

Earning Autonomy
By delivering exceptional results in the areas prioritized by his boss, Abrashoff earned the trust and independence to manage his crew effectively. This autonomy enabled him to prioritize the welfare of his crew, leading to outstanding performance. As he explains,

"If your bosses see you lifting burdens off their shoulders, and they find out they can trust you, they stay out of your face. And that gives you the freedom you need to operate independently and improve your ship." (ch. 2)

Balancing Risk and Prudence
While thinking like a boss empowers you to take calculated risks, it is essential to strike a balance and act in the organization's best interest rather than for personal gain. Mike's approach was grounded in prudent decision-making aligned with what he believed his boss would expect. His actions were never self-serving but always aimed at advancing the organization.

Unlocking Benefits for Yourself and Your Team
Embracing the mindset of thinking like a boss offers numerous advantages. Firstly, it positions you for career growth and opens doors to future leadership opportunities. Additionally, it fosters trust and credibility among your team members, who witness your commitment to their success and the organization's welfare. When your people understand your priorities and objectives, it promotes alignment, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose.

Take Action
Step into your boss's shoes and envision what they want—this crucial first step is the foundation for shaping your future and becoming the leader you aspire to be. Hone your observation skills as you diligently seek to gain a deeper understanding of the motivations behind your boss's decisions and actions. By doing so, you can proactively anticipate their needs and preferences, enabling you to be an even greater asset to them and the organization.

Should you ever find yourself uncertain about a particular action or decision, don't hesitate to respectfully approach your boss and ask for insight into their thought process. This demonstrates your genuine interest in their perspective and fosters open communication, which is vital for fostering a positive working relationship. Remember, the more you align yourself with your boss's vision and priorities, the greater your chances of personal and professional growth. Embrace the opportunity to learn from your boss, and embrace the challenges that come with it, as they are important steps in your leadership journey.

Want more practical tips and tactics to think like a boss?
Check out our latest book, Ship Happens, based on Captain Mike Abrashoff’s best-selling book, It’s Your Ship. Click the button below to purchase it on Amazon.

Buy Here

Embrace the chaos and lead with confidence

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 16:55:15 GMT

Author

Stacey C. Cunningham

Have you ever had one of those days where it seems like everything that could go wrong, does? Your carefully laid plans are derailed by unexpected challenges, and you're left feeling stressed and overwhelmed. We’ve all had those days where our to-do list at the end of the day is just as long, if not longer than when we started our day!

Here at Aegis, we like to say…SHIP HAPPENS! The good news is that you're not alone. As leaders, we all face challenges on a regular basis. But what separates the effective leaders from the rest is their ability to embrace these challenges and lead with confidence.

So how do you do it?

Your first step is to surround yourself with people and resources that can support you when faced with a difficult situation. We’re here to be that person and source of information for you! Be sure to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and subscribe to our mailing list if you haven’t already (click here to sign up).

Here are a few tips to embrace next time SHIP HAPPENS!

Ask for help. Don’t let pride or your nerves get in the way of asking for help. Failing to identify when it’s time to ask for help can often lead to feeling overwhelmed and isolated. Sometimes a solution to your problem is just a quick phone call or email away. Seek support from mentors, colleagues, or industry communities—it's a sign of strength, not weakness.

Be flexible. Things don't always go according to plan, so it's important to be flexible and adaptable. When unexpected challenges arise, don't panic. Instead, take a deep breath and assess the situation. Make a plan to adjust your course accordingly.

Stay calm. It's easy to get caught up in the chaos and start to feel stressed or overwhelmed. But it's important to stay calm and focused. When you're calm, you're better able to think clearly and make sound decisions. If you need to, and are able to walk away for a moment, take a step back and reassess the situation with a clear head.

Communicate effectively. When chaos strikes, it's important to communicate effectively with your team. Keep them updated on the situation and let them know what's expected of them. This will help to keep everyone calm and focused on the task at hand.

Empower your team. When you empower your team, you give them the confidence and authority to make decisions and take action. This can be a valuable asset when chaos strikes, as it allows your team to take the lead and solve problems on their own.

Celebrate successes. When you're able to successfully navigate chaos, it's important to celebrate your successes. This will help to boost morale and keep your team motivated.

Embracing those moments when SHIP HAPPENS and leading with confidence is not always easy, but it's a skill that can be learned and developed. By following these tips, you can become a more effective leader and help your team navigate any challenge.

Our Community is Here to Support You!

If you're looking for a supportive community of leaders who understand what it's like to navigate the challenges we face as leaders, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and subscribe to our mailing list if you haven’t already (click here to sign up).

Over the next several months we will release numerous tips and strategies to put in your back pocket for those moments when SHIP HAPPENS. We hope you’ll find them useful, and most importantly, we hope you’ll share your best practices and tips with us as well!