3 Strategies from Leaders that Thrived
1. Maintaining a Positive Mindset
Maintaining a positive mindset is crucial for small manufacturers facing challenges. It helps you stay resilient and adaptable, enabling you to find innovative solutions and seize opportunities even in tough times. Positivity fosters a proactive approach, reducing stress and boosting morale among your team. It encourages collaboration and problem-solving, creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. By focusing on what you can control and celebrating small wins, you build momentum towards overcoming obstacles. Remember, a positive mindset doesn’t mean ignoring problems; it means tackling them with optimism and determination. Cultivating gratitude, practicing mindfulness, and staying hopeful can transform challenges into growth opportunities for your business.
2. I had a company to run, so I ran it.
During the lockdown, running a company presented unique challenges, but I embraced them head-on. With determination and a positive mindset, I navigated through the uncertainties and adapted to the new normal. Remote work became the standard, and I ensured my team stayed connected and motivated despite physical distances. We leveraged technology to maintain productivity and foster collaboration. I focused on innovative solutions to keep the business afloat, exploring new markets and diversifying our offerings. Communication with clients and stakeholders was crucial, and I made sure to keep them informed and reassured. Despite the obstacles, we found ways to thrive, turning challenges into opportunities for growth. The lockdown tested our resilience, but it also strengthened our resolve and creativity. Running the company during this time was a testament to our ability to adapt and persevere. We did the hard work like lifting weights!
3. Personal Discipline Kept me moving forward.
Personal discipline is a powerful force that keeps you moving forward during difficult times. It involves setting clear goals, maintaining focus, and consistently working towards them, even when faced with obstacles. Discipline helps you stay committed to your plans and routines, ensuring that you make progress despite challenges. It fosters resilience, enabling you to push through adversity with determination and perseverance. By cultivating habits of self-control and accountability, you build a strong foundation for success. Personal discipline also enhances your ability to manage stress and maintain a positive mindset, as it encourages you to take proactive steps towards your goals. In essence, it is the driving force that propels you forward, helping you overcome difficulties and achieve your aspirations.
As a reminder, this is where these comments originated.
Lockdown 2020
Just as the lockdown occurred in 2020, I reached out to leaders in my network and asked them several strategic questions. I did this as a hedge against falling into the void for myself and possibly for them if it served that purpose.
The responses were obviously shaded with fear and concern, as well as toughmindedness that ended up enabling most of them to survive and even thrive during the lockdown.
How did you make it and thrive?
Then, when the dust seemed to settle in 2022, I went back to those same leaders and asked them how they survived the apocalypse. The responses are a treasure chest of business counsel that stands the test of time in good times or bad.
The following are a few comments from these leaders after the apocalypse…which didn’t really happen, especially the way the media portrayed it. The world did not end, but unfortunately there was plenty of collateral damage and lives lost.