Uncertainty breeds fear, change brings opportunity, there is a lot to consider in the Brexit fallout but one thing’s certain, no-one is going to vanish.
Most people went into work as usual on Friday 24th June following the Brexit result. No-one knows exactly what the coming weeks, months or years will look like and what the implications are. Where can we find some certainty?
There are 5 things that are certain following the Brexit announcement:
- The fallout will take years to unfold
- You will still have to achieve something with your life
- Work still has to be delivered
- Indecision or inaction will put you at a disadvantage
- Your core values remain unchanged
The fallout will take years to unfold
Over the next few weeks, months and years a huge number of options will be presented, decisions will be made and a future for the administration of the country will slowly reveal itself. This is a negotiation at great scale, all at the table have an agenda and the differing balances of leverage and gamesmanship will determine the outcome. Stay up speed with these developments but If you have no direct control over them observe well and act on your growing understanding. This is a marathon not a sprint; knee jerk actions are not advised.
You will still have to achieve something with your life
This is a great time to revisit your business mission statement or personal purpose. What do you want to achieve? There should be enormous comfort in the universal, unwavering nature of your core drivers. They set a desire, your hopes and dreams. The strategy to achieve them may have to change due to external factors but the vision must remain strong. This is a great time to remind yourself and your teams of their core purpose.
Work still has to be delivered
The cadence of a business is harder to build than to lose. There will be some of your competitors whose leadership will visibly pull back in the wake of the news of Brexit. This is the time to lean in, whatever your industry there will be need for your product or services. Take charge, redouble your efforts and gain market share. This will only give you more options.
Indecision will put you at a disadvantage
“More is lost in indecision than the wrong decision”. In the face of current uncertainty, you may find it harder to see the “right” path forward. Progress comes from making more correct than incorrect decisions. Use any and all of the tools and advice available to give you the perspective and confidence to take action. Do not stand still.
Your core values remain unchanged
The values by which you govern your business or run your life are hard coded. If there are some complex decisions to be made use these as your guides. Ensure you are clear about them and if your management team needs to revisit them, do so. They should be a source of guidance, reference and ballast to level any rough waters ahead.
There is a lot of unknown to come, but you are here now, you are not going to vanish. The dust will settle, walk on.
Charles Cadbury 