As a startup founder, you have to be prepared for the unexpected. Some days everything will go according to plan, and other days you’ll be dealing with unforeseen challenges. Learning how to manage unpredictable events is an essential skill for any founder.
Here are a few tips to help you deal with the unexpected.
Acknowledge that things will go wrong – it’s inevitable
It’s impossible to perfectly predict the future; things will inevitably go wrong, no matter how much planning you do.
But acknowledgement of this reality is the first step in accepting that nothing is certain, and preparing yourself to address potential issues — both small and large.
Taking a proactive approach to problem-solving and having an action plan that can be implemented when needed sets you up to manage adversity with confidence and success.
No matter what occurs, resilient individuals are better equipped to handle challenging situations thanks to their knowledge that the unexpected can happen at any time.
Have a plan for when things do go wrong – be prepared as much as possible
Having a plan in place for when things do go wrong can be an incredibly valuable and impactful investment of time. The majority of crises and disaster scenarios are generally unpredictable, so being prepared as much as possible is key.
Having a plan ensures that everyone knows the best sources of information, protocols to follow and steps to take no matter the situation. Furthermore, having access to emergency hotspots and reliable resources adds an extra layer of protection, especially if primary systems have failed during a crisis.
Taking time now to map out potential scenarios can save countless amounts of time and money in the future.
Even if a specific emergency or situation isn’t realized, planning ahead plays an invaluable role in both prevention and response.
Be flexible and adaptable – be ready to change your plans on the fly
It’s essential for success to have the ability to anticipate changes and adjust plans accordingly. Organizations today are in a constant state of flux, so being able to adjust independently or as part of a team can make or break an effort.
To stay ahead of the curve, it’s necessary to develop an attitude of flexibility and adaptability. That means being able to modify strategies both incrementally and drastically based on changing needs. Having this attribute gives you the edge while making sure that you don’t become stuck in antiquated methods. By finding ways to remain flexible and agile, you increase your chances of success exponentially!
Keep calm and carry on – don’t let the stress of the situation get to you
Stress can be a hindrance in any situation, especially when faced with a challenge. To keep focused and maintain your inner peace, it is best to remember to stay calm.
Facing doubt or uncertainty can be overwhelming at times, but it is important that you remain composed and carry on with determination. Your stress levels will only increase if you allow it, so take a few moments to pause and practice positive self-talk to help ease the tension.
It’s okay to take some time for yourself if needed; however, do not let the trouble overwhelm you – instead focus on keeping your head up and finding your way through.
Communicate with your team – everyone needs to be on the same page
Successful collaboration is based on effective communication between all members of the team. When everyone is on the same page, progress and success are sure to follow.
To ensure that each team member has been given a clear understanding of their responsibilities and roles within the project, it is important to openly communicate with your collaborators. This can be done through in-person meetings or virtual calls, making sure to reinforce any key points to ensure that everyone comes away knowing exactly what must be done.
Communication can also consist of getting feedback from each team member, which not only allows for insight into the project but can also help create a more comfortable work environment.
There is no more powerful tool for ensuring a successful project than strong communication between all team members – keeping lines open and working together towards a common goal results in smoother sailing in the long run.
Take a step back and assess the situation – sometimes you need to take a break to see things more clearly
Taking a step back and assessing the situation is an invaluable skill, allowing you to gain clarity on any issue that you may be struggling with. It’s knowing when and how to take the necessary break from a problem that is often the most difficult.
Taking a break can give you deep perspective on whatever it is you are attempting to solve, as taking some time and distance from the issue gives your mind room to roam in search of potential solutions. This is an effective tool for both personal issues and for work related challenges; pausing allows you to look at it from different angles and provides a chance at useful growth.
So don’t forget, sometimes taking a step back and reassessing can be just what one needs.
While it’s impossible to plan for everything, having a solid contingency plan can help you weather any storm. The most important thing is to stay calm and carry on. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a step back and assess the situation.
Communicate with your team and make sure everyone is on the same page. With a level head and a little bit of planning, you’ll be able to get through anything that comes your way.
