Today I updated my “NOW” page, linked off my home page here. The inspiration for this came from Derek Sivers, who also, as it turns out, just updated his own NOW page today.
We all have an online presence, often a webpage, LinkedIn profile etc. However, how do we share what we are focussed on right now other than social media channels? I love the idea of having a “NOW” page to share what I am focussed on. To learn how to create your own, click here.
I’ve been periodically updating my NOW page for over two years now, and every time I log on to do so it inspires fresh thinking and focus. Rather than plan for set time periods (eg end of year, next year etc), I tend to allow myself to “feel” when it is time to check in on my own NOW and “What Comes Next”.
For those not prone to click through on links, here is what I captured on the NOW page today:
Helping others with their Crystal Ball for 2023 and beyond
Most of the Global North is already (or will soon be) in recession, so business leaders are seeking to understand what comes next with the economy and how to prepare for this for themselves and their business or organisation.
This recession will be deep and long-lasting, with lessons to be taken from past recessions whilst at the same time understanding that this one will be different due to factors such as structural differences in unemployment (measurably low, but at the same time that depends on how we consider unemployment or not seeking it!), interest rates returning from the near zero levels of the past decade and more back to historical norms.
Having led businesses through recessions in different countries, sectors and sizes of businesses for over three decades, I am spending much time right now focussed on supporting people with three steps to take. First, take on board that this will impact business and the economy for around three years from now. Second, what will you then do to ensure you make it through, what foundations will you put in place? Third, once you know you can make it, what can you do to be “anti-fragile” to thrive through the opportunities this will create?
My Context : “Carpe F. Diem!”
Context is key in leadership and in any activity, business or personal. In periodic updates to this NOW page, then, I often highlight my current context. For example, for your business right now you may choose a context of FOUNDATION having read my note above about the need to prepare for a three year recession.
For me right now, my personal context remains “Carpe F. Diem!”.
On 3rd March 2022 I was diagnosed with Colon Cancer. As I talked to a close family member that evening, the thought they gave was: “get through this, and when it is over, time to Carpe F****g Diem!”.
On 27th July I finished chemo and have been living that motto. As of today, 5th December, I have bought a new house, an older property with lots to plan and do to sympathetically modernise it. That will kick into gear by spring and be a focus for 2023. In addition, 2023 will be a year of travel, with plans to make several trips each of around four weeks in length. I’ve always been able to to do this as I work fully remotely with clients, but 2023 will be a year to “carpe diem”!
What is #OpenLeadership?
I developed the idea of #OpenLeadership some years ago and this is the theme flowing through all of the over 1800 daily posts on my blog and over 100 podcasts on #Whatcomesnextlive (also on this site). Years in, I find myself sharing this more and more as people question current methods of leadership, at the current time often specifically around how business leaders are approaching “return to work” and other issues. So, a reminder of the core article: “Are you ready for #OpenLeadership” and the summary within it:
What is #OpenLeadership?
What we are talking about here is a transformational shift in leadership, from closed, “command and control” to open, empowering, inclusive, trusting, believing, supportive (and more!). This is therefore all about how a leadership “shows up”, who they are “being” as a Leader.
I also highlight the four attributes in the image below, and ask you to consider them as two pairs. First, to be “Brave and Hungry”. These can be powerful on their own, but also run the risk of being controlling and even toxic. So, then add the second pair, to be “Open and Humble”. Again, these on their own can be frail and even the opposite of leadership into the future, but pair them with “Brave and Hungry” and you have a powerful combination.