I’ve been speaking lately with my executive clients about the ways in which they are leading their organizations in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have been discussing their approaches to instilling optimism and a sense of purpose among their employees, meeting the changing needs of their customers, sparking innovation, and re-crafting strategy to address the unique challenges and opportunities of the COVID-19 crisis.
I had a great conversation recently with Debbie Visconi, President and CEO of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. Part of the discussion centered on the need for rapid innovation. At Bergen New Bridge, for example, Debbie has seen an adoption of telehealth services and electronic billing despite substantial resistances prior to the current crisis. Now, in the space of two months, telehealth and electronic billing are solidly in place.
To drive meaningful innovation in good times and bad, leaders should expect and model a new mindset:
- From “It’s impossible” to “Of course we can!”
- From “Maybe later” to “The time is now!”
You should also bring the following strategic reflection points to your team, seek insights across your organization, speak to your customers, and engage your industry peers.
- Which innovations are needed right away? How will they help?
- What forms of technology already exist but haven’t been widely implemented?
- What are the obstacles to implementation? How will we address and remove those obstacles?
- Are we adequately speeding up to meet the changing needs of our customers, employees, and industry? Where must we go faster?
- What must we put on the back burner for now, in order to free up resources and address today’s pressing needs?
You’ll hear more of Debbie’s insights in an upcoming newsletter. And I’d love to know how you’re leading your own organization through a crisis. Send me a note and let’s talk.
Four Ways I Can Help You Right Away
If you’d like my help as you navigate today’s challenges and set a course for tomorrow, send me an email or give me a call. Together, we can explore ways to work together.
Here are a few ways I can help:
1.Strategic Advisor to the CEO and Executive Team. If you’d like an objective thought partner with whom you can discuss matters of leadership, strategy, team dynamics, and leading through change, you’ll want to consider this approach. You’ll have me on speed dial to discuss opportunities and challenges in real time—to make your best decisions today and thoughtfully strategize for tomorrow.
2.Slow Down to Speed Up® Toolkit. It’s never been more important to equip your team with the right tools for performance. I will work directly with your team, using my proprietary approach, and provide them with a pragmatic framework that will enhance decision-making, collaboration, delegation, communication, and prioritization. With the Slow Down to Speed Up® toolkit at their disposal, your group will perform better, lead their teams with confidence, and achieve better business outcomes.
3.Sentient Strategy®. I will work closely with you and your team to develop the kind of strategy that meets today’s challenges head-on, while driving meaningful progress toward realizing your vision. Over the course of a full-day session (with a bit of targeted pre- and post-work), or two half-day remote sessions, we will pinpoint your top 3 growth drivers and put them to the test. Accountability for implementation is a key part of the process.
4.Slow Down to Speed Up® Briefings for New Leaders. I have to give credit to one of my favorite clients for this great idea. After I provided two keynote addresses for the Northrop Grumman Management Club, they told me they’d decided to host a five-week book club featuring Slow Down to Speed Up: Lead, Succeed, and Thrive in a 24/7 World. It’s a creative, engaging, low-cost way for them to provide their people with my SDTSU tools for success.
As we move into the coming weeks, I will continue to provide you advice to help you lead your organization through these difficult times. Please email me with additional topics you’d like me to address. Call anytime you need me. I’d be glad to hear from you.
To your continued health, wellness, and steadfast leadership.
Dr. Liz
