Despite all the uncertainties of lockdown there are a few things I am pretty certain of. When we do return to work we'll be going forward (not back) to different workplaces, different ways of working, different technologies, different engagement models - and the jobs we do will likely be different from those we took for granted before COVID-19 darkened our doorsteps. But I'm not so preoccupied with trying to guess what's coming next as I am with the effect that this level of social, domestic and professional upheaval is having on our collective global motivation levels.
Two months ago, massive changes were thrust upon us all. The impact to individual organisations may have been managed magnificently by strong leadership, clear communications and brave new technologies but no matter how strong the leadership, how clear the communications or how robust the technology, change isn't a comfortable process for most. I think we can all admit it's been a challenge to keep our energy up, day after day, in the confines of home; adjusting to new norms like marathon video calls, cloud-based collaboration, metered daily exercise and children in need of schooling, with perhaps a distanced trolley dash as the only highlight of the day. Take away personal freedom and the power of choice and already you can feel demotivation setting in. Self-determination is often the first casualty of enforced change. And from there the other dominoes that determine our motivation fall?
So how do you maintain energy, drive and focus during a period of significant change? What's the secret to maintaining motivation during prolonged upheaval? Is there a magic formula for facing the unpredictable with equanimity?
Everyone needs a vision. A goal. A north star. Something that is meaningful and personal. Whether during a formally defined programme of business transformation or a period of unexpected or enforced change, the "what's in it for me" is essential to keep everyone engaged and energised. Lockdown came upon us swiftly and suddenly and, in the first throes of adjustment, may have made us forget or neglect the importance of 'why'. So, take time now to revisit the idea of purpose. What gives you the energy to get out of bed each morning? What is the difference your work makes to your organisation, your customers and colleagues? How do you contribute to achieving the company vision? And there you will find the first key to maintaining your drive.
Hint: Beware the purpose that centres on financial gain - that's a result, not a 'why'. And, much as we might think money motivates us, it's our purpose that keep us going.
Once you?re clear on the 'why' examine the 'how'. What are the activities and processes and rituals that help you to deliver your part of the big picture? Have they changed during lockdown? Has the way you work had to change? Have you identified helpful new habits that will keep you productive in your new environment? It's likely that your how is very different already, which can be unsettling in itself. So, first things first, try to establish one or two simple daily routines to give you some structure to your day and your work - and which will also give you a feeling of achievement. Even one small completed task in the morning will boost your energy for the rest of the day. As each new task or routine becomes a habit, you'll have room to add another one. And another. Until you've morphed from your old ways into whatever new way of working it was essential for you to adopt.
Connection. It's been the single biggest global theme of the pandemic. Staying in touch and connected with colleagues, family and friends has become the focus since physical, person-to-person contact was first denied us. Whether you're now socially distancing in an office or still video calling from home, regular and consistent human connections are vital for self-actualisation and maintaining motivation. Whether your role or function tends to be a solitary or collaborative activity, we all need the stimulus of other people. So, beyond the obvious start the week meetings, daily check ins and project updates, consider adding virtual coffee breaks to your day to foster idea generation and innovation. Find some time for online mentoring to support your personal development goals (remembering that mentoring works both ways). Or, take the initiative to gather together alumni from any online learning you might have completed so you can keep up the conversation.
The secret to successfully navigating change is to be flexible. In these days of acceleration, the speed at which change moves can deprive you of time to adjust and process, thus slowing down response. Not knowing what?s coming next can also have us clinging to old ways that no longer serve us in new circumstances. And yet we all need to respond, move fast, and pivot with change. That's where learning comes in. With every step in our personal and professional transformation at this time, there's something to learn. So, be open and observant, reflect on what?s happening in your organisation and take time to check in regularly with yourself to work out where you are on the change curve. Seize opportunities to tap into formal training or webinars, find out what's coming next from an enlightened leader or change champion, or glean more organisational insights from virtual townhalls and broadcasts. In brief, give yourself the confidence of being well-armed with the knowledge, information and skills that will enable you to flex and respond to whatever challenge is coming next.
Resistance, as they say, is futile. Not to mention soul-destroying. Particularly when something far greater than us and outside our sphere of influence is in play. Now more than ever it?s impossible to tell where any of us will be in six or twelve months? time. Nor can we control the repercussions of COVID-19 on our domestic, professional or economic lives. Good motivational health comes from understanding the things we can influence, and those we can't and having "the wisdom to know the difference.? And we all know things will continue to change in the weeks, months and possibly even years to come. So, accept and embrace the ambiguity. Don't waste valuable energy on denial or trying to find a way back to how things were, because it's highly unlikely anything will be quite the same as it was before. It's time to lean in.
Uncertainty is one of the great demotivators. So, eliminate as much of it as you can by taking an active part in the change process. Whether as a change champion, a commentator or a meaningful contributor to new projects and initiatives - putting yourself at the heart of what's changing reduces that feeling of powerlessness and lack of control. If there's anything to know, you'll be amongst the first to know - and it's likely you'll be well-equipped to embrace and thrive with it. Active participation in change has so many benefits beside the obvious of keeping your mind occupied. And you'll be recognised for the positive role you played when everything settles into new ways of being.
Everyone reacts differently to change. How you respond will be defined by your own circumstances, needs and expectations. Similarly, what motivates you is determined by your natural personality type, the way you perceive yourself and what your future goals are. So, if you're lacking energy or feel you've lost your purpose in the last few weeks, take some time to understand yourself better so that you can optimise the things that do motivate you and reduce factors that are draining you. Review any personality or motivation profiling you might have done - individually or with your team - and brush up on what you learned from it. Use what you know to understand how you personally respond to change, and what might be fuelling how your colleagues are reacting too. Arm yourself with this knowledge to make adjustments that will benefit you and get the best out of everyone else: ensuring self-knowledge, teamwork, co-operation and, of course, energy levels remain high.
If I've learned anything in the last two months it's how unpredictable the world is. Two decades of working in the field of business change didn't help me to spot this coming, but it has provided me with the tools to make sense and make the best of it. The truth is, we're not going back to work: we're going forward. Going forward into an uncharted new world. So, arm yourself to succeed, brush up your motivation and only then will you be ready to thrive - whatever lies ahead.
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