After my last
post (What
is this noise about holacracy ...), while working on what we can and what
we need to do, I couldn't help but think about dealing with adversity; Leading to interesting chain of thoughts.
We all have faced adversity of varying degree in our lives. More so, now
when world at large is slowly coming out of very tough economic conditions. “All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and
obstacles have strengthened me... You may not realize it when it happens, but a
kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.”- Walt Disney
Some examples:Losing your job as part of rightsizing, Feeling stuck in a dead end job / career, Missing on promotions, rewards and recognition, Being part of a dysfunctional team, Uncomfortable with organisation culture and
environment, Unsupporting or difficult boss, List is endless!
In beginning we talked about interesting chain of thoughts, what makes this post different and interesting is very diverse source of inspiration for solutions.
Let’s begin with movie Ransom (1996, starring Mel Gibson as Tom - protagonist). A quick recap - Tom’s son is kidnapped and kidnappers ask of $ 2 mm as ransom. Mastermind of the kidnapping is NYPD detective. While FBI agents are trying to apprehend people involved, Tom realises that kidnappers have no intention of returning his son even after he pays ransom. Tom decides to turn ransom in bounty of $ 2 mm and raising it to $ 4mm, leaving kidnappers no choice but to return his son if they want to live. At the end, Tom manages to kill mastermind and recover his son.
In beginning we talked about interesting chain of thoughts, what makes this post different and interesting is very diverse source of inspiration for solutions.
Let’s begin with movie Ransom (1996, starring Mel Gibson as Tom - protagonist). A quick recap - Tom’s son is kidnapped and kidnappers ask of $ 2 mm as ransom. Mastermind of the kidnapping is NYPD detective. While FBI agents are trying to apprehend people involved, Tom realises that kidnappers have no intention of returning his son even after he pays ransom. Tom decides to turn ransom in bounty of $ 2 mm and raising it to $ 4mm, leaving kidnappers no choice but to return his son if they want to live. At the end, Tom manages to kill mastermind and recover his son.
Adversities in
our lives, professional or otherwise have a similar plot. They tend to deny us something
which is dear or important to us. We keep paying ransom in form of misery, emotional
trauma, unhappiness, financial losses, etc. Worst, we often tend to pay EMIs of
ransom without realizing that we aren’t getting anything in return. Tom in ransom
inspires me not only because he realizes the truth but also acts and takes
control back.
For example if
you feel that your career is not progressing as you desire, don’t pay EMIs of
ransom, instead take risk – change of team / organisation, discipline. Why not
start something at your own, take a sabbatical break and add another
qualification. It’s like paying bounty to get rid of kidnappers like unappreciative
organization or management, lack of skills etc. This is going to be tough.
But if you pull together and hang in there, you’ll achieve something amazing in
the end.
I am also
reminded of an incidence from 1990s when Coke, decided to re-enter Indian
market post liberalisation. Pepsi was well established in Indian market with
head start of almost 7-8 years. Senior
Coke executive was visiting India and a journalist asked about how they plan to
grow and gain market share from rivals mainly Pepsi. Coke executive responded that
their target market was not only consumers of carbonated drinks but everyone
who drank water or lemon drink to quench thrust. In one statement, the person
redefined entire market and possible opportunities for Coke. This again illustrates
power of taking control while facing adversity.
Another
interesting analogy comes from art of fighting wars. Often, smart leaders would
tactically retreat while facing a formidable enemy. While retreating they will poison food grains,
water bodies etc, denying advancing enemies important source of supplies and
increasing their overheads in terms of having to carry large supplies with
them.
Use Self confidence, trust in people, knowledge and self belief to
poison food of adversity like negativity, lack of confidence, depression and mistrust.
If you are feeling let down by people, expand your network, connect and seek
out help from more people. (Networking – it’s not rocket science). People will become your partners in
change, because they want to be part of the journey. “In times of great stress or adversity, it's always best to
keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive.”
Lee Iacocca
Recently, I
read this story about a senior manager leading a committee to make their work
place environment more positive. She was diagnosed with aggressive lung cancer.
In her absence, office culture began to revert back. On a visit to see her in
the hospital, team member told her about disappointing turn of events. She
surprised him with a confession: Since she had never smoked and had no history
of cancer in her family, she was convinced that her disease was a direct
function of putting up with a toxic work environment for so long. Shortly
after, she sent him a letter telling - he would be faced with an important
choice throughout his life. He could allow the negative attitudes of others to
influence his behaviour, or pursue professional goals because of the sense of
personal accomplishment they offered.
Adversity often
brings change and changes bring adversities. It’s frightful and absolutely
normal. “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that
something else is more important than fear.” - Ambrose Redmoon.
Related
Posts
With best regards,
Pankaj
www.skoolcafe.com 
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