Crucible Moments
“Difficult as it may seem to believe, any crucible moment for leaders can serve as the test that becomes their pivotal swing toward success or failure.” Steven J Bell
Crucibles are vessels for molten metal that form objects of great power and beauty - they require intense heat to be effective.
Just as you may recall with great clarity where you were on 9/11, major life events lead us to reframe what’s important, and how we view risk or opportunity. Whether it’s a global pandemic, bereavement, loss of earnings, health or business dreams, these events are tough at a very personal level. No amount of positive psychology may sugarcoat the fact that seriously testing times lie ahead.
It’s times like these that make us, and that test us to the hilt. In his book ‘How to Develop Character’, Simon Hartley analyses the fortitude and determination of POWs. There may be tales of your forebearers, your family heroes that have amazed you. Today’s reality now presents an extreme test of our own mettle as leaders, citizens, parents, partners and entrepreneurs.
The Elizabeth Kubler-Ross Loss Curve is a staple leadership coaching framework, often applied to change management. In crucible moments however, the speed of the loss can be sudden and unfathomable, revealing unique and unforeseen challenges. Whilst Kubler-Ross presents her research as ‘stages’ of loss through to renewal, the reality is more likely that we will rapidly switch between the ‘states’ of grief as we comprehend and adapt to the sudden new realities.
Whatever your sphere of leadership, and whatever your stage of life or career, it’s highly likley that 2020 will turn out to be one of your crucible moments. As you grapple with how best to respond to stress, worry, anger, panic or any other ‘dark’ emotional reactions, first of all acknowledge, you are being human.
In what Anita Mountain refers to as The Winner’s Triangle, acknowledgeing your own vulnerability as a leader is step one in making it through. You wisely learn that the heat is intense, and you need to simply do something - as to do nothing is the greater risk. Outside of high stakes settings such as the Military, Health and Social Care, few business leaders are drilled for crucible moments. Here are a few words from the wise:
Ground yourself - apply your own safety mask first, (or the metaphorical version of it). Without some self-care now, you will collapse as we move away from crisis mode into the planning ahead phase.
Act with speed - sometimes threats (and opportunities) move far quicker than convention - better to take some imperfect decisions now, than none at all.
Be in it for the long haul - plan coping strategies that can become maintenance strategies for a long haul (up to 18 months). Pace, not haste, is required.
Conduct a ‘pre mortem’ - as a check on any big decisions you take now. Will you be satisfied with your decisions today, 12 months on?
Trust in the resilience of others - care for others you must, although do not smother them. Shield others only from real harm and enable other forms of character to emerge, perhaps from unexpected players, young or old, familiar or new.
“Character is formed in the stormy billows of the world.” Goethe
Thank you to everyone who has helped me learn from my crucible moments. What will shape you through yours?