As outlined in last weeks’ ‘Silver Linings’ article, I have been given the gift of time during this tragic season. Time, our most precious commodity, is the ultimate equalizer of position and stature. We all carry the shared burden/blessing of having a finite amount of time.
The time I have been given back has allowed me to reconnect with people who have made an impression on my life. I’ve reconnected with athletes that I wrestled with in high school, people with whom I served in the military, as well business leaders that I have had the privilege of working with, throughout my career. The leaders and associates in my life, taught me the importance of rigor and grit while emphasizing the value of honing my level of expertise through continual improvement.
Last week I came across a quote while reading an article online from Data Center Frontier that caught my attention. The CEO of Google, Sundar Pichai reminded me, “We exist in an ecosystem of partnerships and interconnected businesses, many of whom are feeling significant pain.” Truly visionary leaders recognize the connected nature of our modern economy. They hold themselves accountable for investing in relationships that realize those bonds, to strengthen them in times of crisis and triumph.
Our modern world has become increasingly interconnected. The world economy and society are linked by supply chains, communication technology, and travel. The vast oceans and landmasses are no longer impassable or even barriers. And while the current pandemic highlights the shared risks of our modern ecosystem, it also provides a focal point for the opportunity.
In mid-March, while the world was tumbling closer towards global panic and uncertainty, I reconnected with a friend and mentor. In discussion with Andrew Schaap, CEO of Aligned Energy, I’d like to share three lessons that will lead us through a time of quantum change.
1. Leadership – I am humbled and left without appropriate words to express my appreciation for mentorship from great leaders in our industry. Successful leaders who engineer time to connect outside of their business while internally leading their critical enterprise through global disruption, elevate the entire business frontier. It is important that we recognize no person or business is immune.
2. Communication – Establishing an organized rhythm for communications is a key factor in driving progress and ensuring teams stay aligned during volatile or uncertain times. In the military, we commonly use the term tactical pause to reference temporary mission halts and this time is an opportunity to reassess circumstances, realign teams and redirect assets.
3. Collaboration – While the coronavirus has brought massive disruption across all aspects of life, we live in an age where we can bridge physical divides. The value of having access to trusted guides and selfless leaders, offers a platform to ask questions, seek and provide input, pressure test ideas and challenge assumptions. Doing so helps to identify blind spots and responsively prepare our business strategy. Maintaining constructive discourse with associates, who have tackled similar challenges, brings fresh perspectives on “ownership” in times of crisis.
I challenge you to actively participate in shaping the new landscape that is emerging through COVID-19. Engage in your sphere of influence within the ecosystem, both on a personal level and in business. The value exchange and collaboration are how we kick start innovation, advancing our abilities to emerge from this tactical pause ready to perform with speed and precision.
Together,
Kirk Offel
CEO, OVERWATCH MISSION CRITICAL
