Leadership Mindsets on the Uncertain Journey

I’ve accumulated tricks and tips from my own mistakes and insights from others who travel on airplanes. I have been playfully ridiculed for my early attempts at packing for a few-day conference with luggage that would rival a safari adventure. As I travel more, I have learned how to pack lighter and smarter:

• A versatile sportscoat that can be worn with multiple outfits.
• Rolling t-shirts, socks, and underwear rather than folding them.
• Packing everything in a carry-on versus check-in luggage to minimize wait time and avoid lost luggage mishaps.
• Packing a lunch – peanut butter and jelly sandwiches taste even better when surrounded by overpriced, greasy options at the airport.

With the uncertainty of travel, it’s not only vital to pack for any occasion and possible emergency, but it’s crucial to also go in with a similar mindset of preparing for the unknown. My goal is to try to book direct flights rather than connecting ones to minimize the potential for layovers and missed connections. I’ve also booked flights giving myself enough time on both ends of the flight, so I am not late for appointments. And, with all that said, I have also found myself not getting as anxious when flights get delayed, even when I am sitting in a plane on the tarmac for over an hour!

In times of uncertainty, it’s important for leaders to be prepared. Just like packing wisely before the journey, having the right mindset is vital for success. Here are four mindsets to possess in any uncertain journey:

Lead with Core Values. During uncertain times, it can be tempting to look for alternatives or loopholes. Since it may be unchartered territory, strict rules or guidelines may not be in place, so it can be tempting to cut corners or do things that may take advantage of a situation. Yet, it’s important to lean into the core values of trust, integrity, honesty, and perseverance even more to avoid the temptations of what may appear easier. Don’t make decisions that conflicts with your values. At the beginning of a difficult meeting or in considering a decision, invest time in reminding yourself and others what you want to truly be known for at the end of the day. Be in a mindset to not compromise on your values.

Involve Your Team. A tendency in going through an uncertain time is to trick yourself in thinking that you have to go through it alone. While you may have to make final decisions on your own, that doesn’t mean you can’t involve your team along the way. Sometimes, you may be too far in the weeds that you may need others to help you to step back for perspective. Some team members may have experiences or insights that could be valued in helping to shape the direction and decision. When you feel like you are talking to yourself too much trying to determine the next step, it may be time to call for help.

Don’t Wait for Perfection. A month ago, our team discussed an initiative that we needed to implement to attend to a problem we could see become larger over time. We all agreed that we needed to act fairly soon. One member shared a suggestion that seemed to ease the tension and actually allow us the space to move forward with a renewed sense of optimism and relief: don’t wait for perfection. Too often, highly successful leaders are perfectionists who don’t want to implement something until it’s perfect. In this situation, we may not have the time to be able to wait. And, because things keep shifting, we have to be adaptable and flexible. Through our uncertain challenge, you might need to give yourself the grace and permission to just begin, feel okay about building the plane in midair, and make improvements along the way.

Don’t Make Decisions When You Don’t Have To. When hit with a question or problem, I find myself asking a lot of questions. Over time, I’ve discovered that I tend to ask questions at the beginning on when a decision has to be made. While it may be a huge problem brought forward with great anxiety and emotional charge, making quick decisions when you don’t have to can be costly – especially when you may not have all of the information. Not making a decision is making a decision. This mindset is last because its built upon the three above – having more time means you have more time to consider and root yourself in your core values, involve others, and not wait for perfection. Be careful in allowing yourself to make a decision based on someone else’s anxiety. If you have time to make a clear, informed decision, then give yourself the gift of time.

Sometimes, you can plan ahead to know you’ll be in uncertain territory. I know when I walk into that airport, something’s going to happen. Then, there are times that I am driving in the car and think I’m all set when I find myself lost. The first thing I do: turn down the music. Uncertain territory. While this road is new, I’ve been lost before. I take a breath and look around. Time to get in the right mindset.

I’m curious, what travel tips or mindsets would you add to the list?