Here in Colorado we are used to options. Everyday we have many options when it comes to the weather (although we have no control over it) and we have options as to activities since it’s such a beautiful state, but one set of options is very familiar to us here. These are the options which become available to our beloved Broncos every time Peyton Manning begins to call a play. I’m merely a fan and don’t have too much knowledge of the ins and outs of the Xs and Os, but I do know that our quarterback has the ability to change plays in an instant, perhaps many times before the ball is snapped. It’s one of the great tools which he has available to him. In order to move the ball forward, he has options. In fact, he is one of the best quarterbacks around because he is so good at utilizing his options.
It’s the same with leaders. We all should take the time to put together a game plan prior to the start of whatever game or business we are participating in. We should know our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT), and how to gain the advantage over our competitors. Plus we need to have a series of plays ready to go and well practiced so that when the ball is snapped, we execute the plan flawlessly. However, even with the proper preparation, we must always have a plan B, C, D, or further. We must have options. We must be able to call an audible right before the snap in case we suddenly see that our present plan is in danger.
This is why I’ve become such a proponent of always, always, always having a contingency plan! I’ve been an advance planner since I was a kid. I used to drive my teachers crazy because I’d often be a few steps ahead of them. I remember one of my directors in junior high telling me to stop making suggestions because I wasn’t the director, and when I was the director I could do it my way. My answer to him was “I will!” So I’ve never had a problem having a game plan, but that only works if the game goes as planned! As a leader I’ve had to learn how to think on my feet and make an audible call, much like our quarterback, but the biggest thing I’ve had to learn how to do is to plan ahead for the need to change plans. Unfortunately, I’ve had times when things didn’t go my way and because I wasn’t expecting it, I wasn’t prepared and my options were minimal. I’ve learned to plan for the unexpected and keep as many options open to me as possible.
My advice to you is to do the same. Even if you are in your sweet spot, never stop working to develop additional options. Keep your networks alive. Make new contacts. Learn new skills. Challenge yourself to gain more knowledge. Take a class. Get another degree. Schmooze!
If you keep an ongoing development of options as a habit, you’ll be in a much better position to lead your team and stay in control of your own leadership life.
Lead well.