Managing in times of chaos

Managing in times of chaos

In the period of a year, we have moved from a position where a three year strategy was a good idea to a position where many companies now find it impossible to create long-term plans because the environment is too unpredictable.

Given this level of uncertainty, many managers are asking: ‘How should I manage?’

There are several elements to consider here:

From the study of chaotic systems, we know that total chaos very quickly leads to the death of the system!
Individuals hate uncertainty. In fact, they will commonly choose an unhappy certainty over a happy possibility.
Even in chaos, we can determine patterns—they may not repeat exactly, but they have similarities.

A common reaction to chaotic circumstances is to seek very tight control. Unfortunately, again from the study of systems, we can see that control also very rapidly results in the system dying. It is no surprise then that companies, on average, only last for 13 years!

So, are we all doomed? No! Read on!

Given the above, the role of the manager becomes that of creating some stability, certainty and direction, but not strangling the business with controls. This is a very big ask for many managers—the challenge definitely sorts the good managers from the bad.

In creating some stability, certainty and support, employees relax and start to find new solutions, which are appropriate for these complex times.

Here are some specifics you can implement today:

Focus on clients. Seek to keep existing clients by increasing your client satisfaction (This can help provide stability and certainty).
Engage employees in solutions. Explaining that you do not know all the answers will strengthen your capability as a manager and allow exciting possibilities to emerge. You will get innovation, which is critical at times of major change.
Continue to communicate. All too often when the chips are down, managers retreat into their shells and stop talking. Even if you have tough messages to give, or bad news to impart, your employees want to hear it from you, not the rumour mill. If you don’t communicate, all that will happen is that the rumour mill will run riot.
Continue to celebrate success. In difficult times, it is easy to focus on the difficulties so make sure that your team knows that you are still scoring runs.
Wherever you can create certainty, seize the opportunity. This certainty is not always about positive news. For example, if everyone knows a project is under threat, or may jeopardise the business, share the information, seek advice and take action.
Support your employees. Just as you are finding this environment difficult, so are they. They need you more now than when everything is running smoothly.
Remember that you are not alone. Other managers are also facing these difficult times. If you can, meet with other successful managers to see if there are ideas you can share.
Finally, remain optimistic. These times too will pass!