3 Strategies for Taking Charge During Times of Great Change and Great Crises

Your vision probably involves big changes in the world. For example, you might see your organization becoming a global leader in your field.

Success looks different for everybody, but it almost never looks like maintaining the status quo. Even so, not every change is welcome. Here are three strategies to deal with some of the major challenges every leader faces during a successful career.

Strategy One: Redefine Your Mission

The first option for taking charge is often realigning your organization's efforts. It may sound simple, but doing this effectively requires an understanding of the difference between mission and vision.

Think of it in terms of golf: Overall, your vision of success as a golfer might be to win the U.S. Open. That isn't necessarily something you can just do. To chart day-to-day successes, you need missions.

Your mission as a golfer might be to finish a hole. But what happens if a thunderstorm suddenly shows up? Naturally, your mission would have to change. Keep in mind, a single thunderstorm does not threaten your vision — your prospects of winning that championship would be unaffected.

If your vision is big enough and focused enough, no crises or changes can threaten it. On the other hand, missions are easily disrupted. If a thunderstorm looms, you may need to switch to another mission that helps your vision becoming a reality — practicing your short game.

Strategy Two: Embody Success

Sometimes, things can change so abruptly your entire organization is disrupted. If you already have a strong vision and culture, then your job as a leader could be relatively simple: Focus on success.

However, just because it's simple does not mean it will be easy. Becoming a source of strength for your team will require more than just focus.

You'll need to draw on all your leadership skills to maintain cultural practices and keep everyone focused on the mission at hand. Expect to exercise your soft skills, such as empathy and active listening, and to test your aptitude and confidence.

Strategy Three: Change With the Changes

These challenges are not always catastrophic, external events. Unfortunately, crises sometimes develop because of underlying problems with your techniques and practices as a leader.

In these types of situations, you generally have two options - you can practice and develop a new skill to deal with your current situation, or you can use leadership techniques you haven't fully embraced.

Essentially, you get an opportunity to grow from the crisis. Once you identify it's your responsibility to change, the recovery might be faster than you expect.

Prepare for Change

Some people seem to naturally deal with crises well, but the truth is almost always that they have prepared and practiced extensively. Put the work in, and you can have the same effectiveness in times of change.