Moorings for Tough Times

Jim Collins has a way of bringing valuable insights to tough times: “In times of great duress, tumult, and uncertainty, you have to have moorings. … What we have found is that what really matters is that you actually have core values…not what they are. The more challenged you are, the more you have to have your values. You need to preserve them consistently over time.”

 With the amount of uncertainty and fear generated by the political and economic changes occurring, people are looking for some solid ground to stand on. As a leader, it would be wise to remind your people where to find the moorings they need—your shared core values.

 You may not know how or where your customers will call on you to serve, but you know your job is to serve the best you have to offer when they do. You may have tough messages to give regarding cutbacks in funding and staff, but you still know the importance of treating people with respect throughout the process. You know that costs have to be cut, but you won’t sacrifice the quality of your product or performance.

 In the Tour de France, riders will tell you that it’s how you perform in the climbs that gives you the competitive edge when the race flattens out. Your people are now climbing up an economic hill, but the strengths and character you and your people develop now will serve you well as the economy improves.

What are the moorings that mean the most to you?