Lead through adversity: How to succeed in today’s economy

Your ability to handle adversity is one of the most robust predictors of your happiness and success in life. According to researcher Dr. Paul Stoltz, developing your adversity quotient improves morale, strengthens performance and increases profitability. Blaming, whining and complaining are symptoms of individuals and organizations beaten down by adversity.
Every individual and every organization has a unique purpose, a mountain to climb, a contribution to make. There are three ways to deal with your mountain: climb, camp or quit.
• Climbers are relentless in their ascent. They are constantly learning, growing, adapting to change and experiencing life to the fullest. These individuals are energized by challenges and refuse to be insignificant in their life’s work and their relationships. This group is engaged (28 percent of people, according to Gallup research).
• Campers are often retired climbers. They’ve lost their edge. They’ve exchanged their highest dreams and aspirations for the comfort and security of the common life. They put in their time. They’re getting by. This group is not engaged (54 percent).
• Quitters have retired on the job. They are bitter and depressed. Gallup’s chief researcher Jim Harter said they destroy organizations and the people around them. They are actively disengaged (18 percent).

Here are six ways to lead through adversity and keep climbing your mountain:

1

Check your mindset. There are approximately 6 billion people on the planet, and it’s estimated that 2 billion people live on $2 or less per day. Put in perspective, our standard of living is the highest the world has ever seen. Kings and queens in centuries past could not imagine our automobiles, TVs or cell phones, not to mention our computers, airplanes and household appliances. Check out the website www.GlobalGichList.com. The average global income is $5,000 per year. Maintain perspective. Focus on what you have, not what you don’t have. Count your blessings. Have an attitude of gratitude. You’ll be happier and healthier. You’ll be a more attractive person. Choose to be happy with what you have while you pursue what you want.

2

Develop your character. Thousands of people were recently asked what is most important to them:
• What they have: possessions
• What they do: achievements
• Who they are: character
Approximately 95 percent said their character is most important. About 5 percent said their achievements are most important. Only a few individuals value their possessions more than their character and achievements.
When have you experienced your most significant character development? Virtually everyone says during times of adversity. Ichak Adizes wrote, “You can tell the size of a person by the size of the problems that preoccupy him.”
To effectively lead our lives and organizations through adversity, we must develop character qualities like these:
• Courage is the quality of mind that enables you to encounter danger and difficulties with firmness and resolution. Associate with people who build your faith, not your fears. Limit your exposure to negative input.
• Perseverance is the continued pursuit of any endeavor or enterprise. This character quality is demonstrated as you continue to climb your mountain. The entire world is facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Don’t quit now.
• Integrity is doing what you say you will do. Be honest with yourself and others. Build trust. Your relationships always matter most.

3

Live a balanced life of meaning and contributions. Make a list of the five most important elements of your life: family relationships, vibrant health, personal faith, meaningful contributions at work, a satisfying hobby, a volunteer role and financial stewardship, for example. Now, number these areas in order of importance. Put this list on a card, and carry it in your wallet or purse. Each area of your life invites you to make specific contributions that improve the quality of life for you and others. Living a balanced life means you give your best in all areas.

4

Become obsessed with your CEO. Businesses that obsessively focus on serving customers, employees and owners (CEO) while fostering leadership throughout the organization perform much better than comparison companies. According to Corporate Culture and Performance, these enlightened organizations:
• Grow revenues four times faster
• Create jobs seven times faster
• Grow owner equity 12 times faster
• Produce profits that are 756 times greater
During times of adversity, too many people disengage. It’s easy to escape into habits of self-absorption and selfishness. However, it’s more productive and satisfying to give your best efforts to serve others. You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give. Continue to give your best efforts to serve others. The principle of giving and receiving is the key to unlocking success in all areas of life.

5

Achieve your most important priorities. Priorities are what matter most. They may be:
• Problems to solve
• Goals to achieve
• Capacities to develop
As you clarify and achieve your most important priorities, you make progress in the most important areas of your life. Only you can make your unique contributions in these areas. To prioritize effectively, ask yourself what are the most important actions you can take in each area of your life. Then, give your best.

6

Create an inspired definition of success. Webster’s Dictionary defines success as, “the accomplishment of what is desired or aimed at; the attainment of wealth, fame and prosperity.” In my opinion, this is an inadequate definition. We all know people who have achieved what they aimed for only to make themselves and others miserable. Many have discovered wealth and fame alone are short-lived and unsatisfying. There is much more to success than achieving something. Success is best defined by our contributions to others. That kind of success can be achieved by anyone in any economy.