The views expressed by (*3*) contributors are their very own.
No matter what business you’re in, there are many obstacles that threaten to halt your progress. We bring our own limitations to the table, from disabilities to lack of technological awareness.
There are two things I’ve learned about barriers: first, the unexpected normally shows up at the worst possible moment; and second, the simplest thing can bring even the most confident leaders to their knees. Here are three ways to overcome some of the biggest challenges you’re likely to face in business.
How to deal with feeling excluded
Like most CEOs, my business relies on digital connectivity. This is especially difficult for me because I’m a legally blind CEO. I have a lot of technology that offers me audio access to all the pieces from email to documents. I even have a barcode on my spice bottles at home so I know the difference between saffron and cinnamon. But when it comes to technology, the unexpected has develop into expected for me and everyone who depends on it. When technology fails, the price is not only frustration but also wasted time, wasted money and missed deadlines.
When a technical problem seems unattainable to solve, I’ve learned to ignore the chatbot, “blitz” through the available contacts—email, customer support number, support ticket, one other contact page, or search engine information—and hope that at least one attempt will get attention. Another strategy is to research other people’s answers to your problem. Chances are, if you’re frustrated, other users are complaining, too. Check out blogs, online groups, comment sections, and forums where people are talking about the problem you would like to learn about.
But you possibly can feel disregarded even when the technology works, especially if, like me, you have limitations like vision or hearing loss; or perhaps you’re a divergent learner. In these cases, it’s necessary to stand your ground. More than once, a business partner’s dependence on a single content management system has disenfranchised me, shutting down all communication. You can do all the pieces right and still hit a brick wall. When that happens, you have a selection. Try to negotiate a compromise. If your network partner won’t budge, shake things up and find one other partner. In fact, your willingness to cancel services or end alliances may bring a delayed but much-needed response. However delayed their motion could also be, your problem can get the attention it deserves.
How to find your voice
If you have a disability, it’s possible you’ll find that folks often forget your limitations. You can also select not to share something so personal, realizing the risk of setting high expectations. You could also be feeling sad or frightened about a stressful situation at home, or it’s possible you’ll feel marginalized because of the prejudices of others. There are many ways in which we are able to all feel as if we are not truly being heard.
You can do a lot to get others to listen to you by appealing to your personal winning spirit and finding your voice. The opinions of others, the attitude of executives, even the bad reports you read about the company are all outside influences. Your voice is greater than just your speech; your “voice” is a part of your image, the person you purposefully invite into the office every day. When I feel like no one is listening, I mentally appeal to my inner purpose. The negativity that others put on the market doesn’t touch my very own motivation, why I’m in this role, or my potential. There are things that no one can touch—belief, drive, desire, confidence—unless you allow them to. That winning spirit is what can lift you above conflict. When you come to work knowing that you simply’re operating at a different level, you set the tone for your team, your department, and ultimately the company.
At times, nonetheless, it’s possible you’ll feel like you possibly can’t handle all the challenges you face. We’ve all been there. A brand new leadership role can come your way when you lose a parent or a loved one. You may feel limited and unsure about how to handle the dozens of latest skills and complexities of a recent position. That’s when you wish what I call a “trusted advisor.” This might be a mentor, a colleague, a good friend, or a therapist. If you are feeling like your voice has been lost, if you are feeling like you possibly can’t be ok or don’t have the resources to handle the challenges you face, you don’t have to do it alone. Remove the idea from your mindset that asking for help is a sign of weakness. I’ve learned that it takes great strength to reach out to someone when you’re facing that specific obstacle. By working with others, you’ll find a path to being heard.
How to win at catch-up
I learned a very long time ago that folks project their best selves or the image they need to present to others. Behind that facade, you’ll discover that nearly everyone is experiencing challenges. The woman at work who wears the best makeup and the latest trends is depressed. The best salesperson is actually going through an emotional battle over child custody. The first myth of catching up is the idea that everybody is ahead of you. This is the first assumption all of us need to let go of.
But let’s say you’ve moved to a recent position at work—and you’re really falling behind. Everyone else is determining recent software or how to manage their time, while you’re still trying to get your email arrange. First, set a sleep timer and workflow and stick to them so they develop into habits. Then create a schedule that features all the pieces. Decide when you’ll get up, when each task will likely be done, and how much time you’ll spend on each. Schedule overtime; quiet moments to refuel. Schedule workouts for when they’re most helpful. Relaxation and peace are something that have to be earned; proper planning reduces anxiety and gives us a sense of accomplishment—and a reason to rejoice.
Being legally blind has given me the gift of planning. Since I can’t jump in my automobile and drive, I have to think about my steps, from getting up and reviewing my work for the day to transportation. I also make good use of my time by having someone drive me to necessary meetings. That’s when I study topics I want or want to learn more about. Podcasts, audiobooks, and relaxing music are just a few ways I reclaim what most individuals call wasted or “down time.”
Even in the better of business situations, you’ll encounter obstacles; the unexpected will appear in the type of a technological problem, bias, or conflict. Barriers often challenge us in ways in which repay, giving us the likelihood to rise above them and apply our lessons learned to different situations. We need to bring the right tools to the workplace, understanding that challenges might be the foundation of our success, now and in the future.