How Do You Deal with the Unexpected?
Which of your tasks are a priority during turbulent tides? How can you feel confident that you are making the best choices? What additional resources should you be aware of?
In the midst of our current uncharted waters, business owners are feeling increasingly isolated. Things have taken a dramatic 180, forcing us to change our outlook. Miriam Webster defines a paradigm shift as an important change that happens when a usual way of thinking about or doing something is replaced by a new and different way. Have you prepared for this level of change? What changes are necessary for your business to thrive?
It’s often lonely at the top; however recent events, paired with restrictions on face-to-face contact, are really pushing our limits. Add in a great big dose of uncertainty and it’s normal to feel anxious. It’s also healthy to reach out for help. When you’re ready to seek guidance, I’m a valuable resource—it’s what I do for a living, full time, all the time. I live to share my experience and expertise, helping others achieve continued success.
Let’s talk so I can help your company—during this challenging period of forced business closures, I’m willing to share my advice with business owners at no cost. Schedule an appointment today. This is how I serve.
Fundamentals 2.0: Leadership
“People will take any hill, walk into the worst situation,
if they have faith in your leadership and know what your
strategy and objectives are.”
-Edward D. Breen
During tough times, companies need strong leadership. This can be a challenge on those days when we just want to run away! ECA offers some approaches to leading when it would be easier to do just about anything else.Check your emotions and return to logic
How can you encourage others unless you feel encouraged? Check your own coping strategies and be sure you are somehow recharging yourself. The emotions you convey as a leader are contagious to your team, especially any sense of stress or frantic emotion. When emotions flare, give yourself time to shift back to logic. Take deep breaths. Excuse yourself for a moment if you need to. Break bad news calmly without downplaying the situation’s seriousness. Resist the temptation to point fingers, because doing so is counterproductive and will result in a breakdown of trust within your team.
Be as transparent as possible, then get to work
Promise to keep employees and other stakeholders in the know, and keep your promises. If you withhold information, your team may fear the worst, turning feelings of uncertainty into desperation. After sharing updates, keep the team focused on the work rather than worrying about what they can’t control.
Don’t go it alone
Find advisors and mentors, and draw partners in close. There are days you might prefer to fight the battle solo, or even hide, but it’s time to do just the opposite. You must assemble a team to assist you in dealing with the present obstacles as best as possible. Be very selective in who you work with, choosing positive problem solvers. Surround yourself with people who have experience beyond your own. If you don’t have these people, reach out to ECA because we also play matchmaker.
Nourish your company culture
High-stress times are notoriously rough on culture—it’s the area most likely to be compromised in a challenging climate. Company culture is what binds any healthy company together, and is of significant interest to employees when considering their options. It’s vital that you continue giving energy to the culture because it’s the lifeblood of your expanded operation.
Help your team move forward
Come together to set priorities, then goals. Get everyone working toward recovery or comeback efforts. Take time to acknowledge even tiny steps of progress.
Cash flow is a high priority for businesses right now, and it’s going to be an issue for longer than many might expect. There are multiple reasons to strongly consider taking full advantage of your line of credit right away. ECA provides help securing funds, including loan relief, helping you tap into available resources to boost cash flow.
The SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan, Paycheck Protection Program, and other tax opportunities offer significant financial assistance for businesses and non-profit organizations. These loans can provide you with vital, working capital to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue experienced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. If your business has no access to credit elsewhere, these loans can be used to cover payroll, purchase inventory, make payments on debt, or take care of other expenses.
When business owners and operators are doing what they are passionate about, their business IS ESSENTIAL. Let’s get through this together.
“Now more than ever, team stability and company results will be directly tied to the effectiveness of virtual leadership.”
— Wendy Lipton-Dibner
Commentary from Alex Raffi, Founding Partner and Creative Director, Imagine Communications:
“Things are changing rapidly, and the near future is impossible to predict. It’s important to be flexible and to be able to adapt quickly. Serious planning, paired with successful virtual communication with your staff and clientele, accomplishes three things:
- It provides reassurance that they are working on something important.
- It prepares you for the long-term effects of the current climate.
- If current challenges blow over sooner than later, it ensures that you will be ahead of the game.”
Even the strongest entrepreneurs can encounter challenges that exceed their resources, causing undue pressure that can make it difficult to sleep at night. It’s for these business owners that Chuck Mohler established Eagle Corporate Advisors.
Chuck is dedicated to providing caring and customized support for complex, critical issues, improving your business outcomes while giving you the ability to rest more easily. Eagle Corporate Advisor’s fact-driven, in-depth approach helps our clients face change head on, making informed business decisions with future goals in mind.
Contact him today at (702) 451-3250 or ChuckM@EagleCorporateAdvisors.com.