Is your problem shared?

Every time I connect with someone, I ask myself two questions: What can I learn? And what can I bring to this conversation? As I’ve done this over recent months, I’ve noticed reoccurring themes in the challenges business leaders are experiencing. Today I’m sharing these insights, along with my reflections on how I believe better connection always helps.

Stuff is changing faster than even the smartest and hardest working leader can keep up with. There are now numerous ‘expert’ topics that we need to understand and have a view about (AI-enabled workforce, inclusion, mental health, wellbeing, new workers’ rights, sustainability, and some…). And that’s without even counting the basics of profits, culture and stakeholder value. While these offer many positive shifts, each can present complex scenarios which we need to be able to navigate. And navigate well.

Better connection 1: Share experiences, knowledge and insights

Is a problem shared, truly halved? Perhaps not…but a solution explored with connections who offer diversity of thought and experience has certainly helped me to make brave decisions along the way. Such as taking our business virtual 18 months before Covid hit and flexible working was even a thing. My view is one of the best ways to navigate a fast-changing world is to find a place to share and pool knowledge with others and do it often. It’s not just about taking your challenges but learning from those that others bring too.

Challenge 2: Trusted allies are in short supply

It’s easy to be uncertain who your true allies are right now. Regulation has also shifted. Customers expect more. A senior trusted team takes work and time to build. When environments shift, people’s loyalties and expectations change – and knowing who’s got your back isn’t straightforward. But one thing is for sure, we all need people we can trust.

Better connection 2: create a trusted circle

While context around me changes and I learn from many, the few real folk I respect and turn to remain constant. These are deep relationships, curated over time – they are all people who balance challenge with support, are empathetically honest and can always provide an alternative view. I’ve been deliberate about creating these relationships – in my early days as a managing director, I joined a member community for leaders which gave me a springboard for relationships with people I no longer just see as advisors, but trusted friends.

Challenge 3: Frustrated people don’t start with why

Limited resources, multiple demands and unharnessed talent can lead to frustration. And when frustrated, lifting people’s mindsets out of the transactional into a ‘what’s best for the people involved’ focus is a blinking challenge. But we know we all need people who can stop, step back and decide ‘what next’ through a big-picture and a psychology-informed lens.

Better connection 3: understand people before communicating

Learn from, and think of the person, first. It’s essential for good communications and leadership. Really understanding your audiences is always right up there in our work at Creative Bridge. But with a new focus on ‘first-person’, psychologically informed communications, I’m excited to see clients take this to a deeper level by applying psychological insights to their communications and cultural approach.

Where are you?

Leading isn’t easy – and never has been. Being a leader now means learning and shifting fast – which means you equally need good people around you and sound insight to support your journey and that of your organisation. So how well connected are you?

Do you have the allies you need to navigate complex decisions with confidence? How often do you get to see ‘under the hood’ of another business’s challenges, learnings and growth? Where do you go for your space to recharge and re-equip?

As always, I believe the answer to the challenges business leaders are facing today lies in connecting with people. Those we share with. Those we learn from. And those we do new things with.

Do you have the connection you need?