Keeping a level head when chaos strikes
Keeping a level head when chaos strikes
This year has started a bit chaotically for the PurposeWorks team. We’ve had to make plans to navigate some challenging circumstances. As it does, chaos leaves us feeling disorientated, uncertain and at times, overwhelmed.
The thing is, abrupt changes, unforeseen circumstances or speeding trains coming our way are an inevitable part of life. Although it might be easier to appreciate order and predictability, everyone can benefit to learn to navigate the chaos. So how can we learn to navigate and lead ourselves, our families, our teams and businesses in times of chaos?
I think the key lies in learning how to navigate the key traits of chaos: uncertainty, complexity, instability, and vagueness. Let’s consider how we can counterbalance each of these in turn.
Uncertainty is experienced because chaos often causes unpredictability. Uncertainty makes us question what we can trust, what is real and what is not. Having a strong support system makes navigating uncertainty much easier. Having people around that support, listen and help in practical ways is immensely encouraging. With it comes perspectives which helps create understanding. So, the first thing I believe one needs to focus on to keep a level head in times of chaos is to tap into the resources in your community. Don’t go at it alone!
Complexity: When the unexpected happens there are so many things that one hasn’t thought of or planned for. Under trying circumstances we usually have limited capacity to respond adequately. When responding to crisis it is the lack of clarity which makes the experience so much more overwhelming. There is no easy way to respond to the complexity of these experiences. But we can start by creating clarity, providing a potential idea of what the next steps could be. Simplifying things. Finding or creating clarity in purpose, and communicating it clearly. When we focus on the chaos we cannot zoom out. Try to take a bird’s eye view to really see where we need to go next. And then stepping out in courage and start by doing something – even if it seems small or insignificant. When we respond to complexity with clarity it enables small simple steps to drive us forward.
Instability: When I think of something that is unstable, I think of a tower that my kids have built with toy blocks, ready to fall over with the next touch. But when I think of stable, I think of the skyscrapers designed to withstand all the elements by being flexible. There are two things we can do to lead ourselves through chaos when it comes to instability: 1. Create a vision. We need to have a plan of what the future could look like when we overcome chaos for us to hold onto. Much like the architects have when designing the skyscrapers. And then we need to 2. Build in some flexibility. We do this by letting go of rigid expectations and allowing ourselves space to breath and reflect on our experiences.
Vagueness or ambiguity: For us to counter this we will need to be more resilient and adaptable. Resilience is defined as the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. This is not a static characteristic, something you are born with or without. This is a skill or resources we have the capacity to build on every time we experience chaos. We become more resilient through our experiences and we can also use our past experiences to allow us to become more resilient in the present. By reflecting on how we have overcome crises and chaos in the past, we build a library of resilience we can draw on when faced with new challenges. The quickness of our recovery is something we need to have grace with. I believe this is situationally dependent – but I do believe that every time we are faced with chaos and crisis, we have a choice to learn a grow stronger or to lie down and admit defeat.
Breaking the experience down into smaller pieces can make it more manageable. In the meantime, build a strong support system and spend time developing the skills you need to respond better to chaos in calmer times.
If you are having a difficult time trying to navigate the chaos we would love to help, get in touch. You can reach us at info@purposeworks.co.za.
At PurposeWorks we are all about Making You and Your Work Rock. Our focus is on Organisational Health and Design, Employee Centered Culture, Leadership Development and Performance Coaching. For more information on how we can help you create a work environment that rocks, develop a great team, become an inspiring leader or unlock your personal excellence talk to us at info@purposeworks.co.za.
