I recently took a magical trip to Italy. It was an ambitious trip that involved two high speed trains, a car rental and moving to three different locations. Although there was a great deal of planning, sometimes things go sideways. The morning we were supposed to meet up with a private guide, the sky became pitch black and the rains started teeming down. I was so looking forward to this part of our trip and just couldn’t decide what to do. Should I ride this unsettled weather out or rethink my day? Should I cancel the private guide and risk getting soaking wet since the weather forecast was ghastly? Perhaps it was time for a pivot.
We’ve all been on uneven ground in our personal and professional lives. We know something is no longer working but we are so uncertain how to balance things out. We may ask ourselves:
- Should I stick it out with this team or boss?
- How can I be a more assertive leader?
- Do I still want to stay in this relationship?
- How much time can I really devote to this project?
- Do I actually want to go down this road and open myself up?
Summertime can be a wonderful season to reflect on a change in your life. Is it best right now to pivot in a new direction? What would that turn look like? What steps should I take to make the best decision possible?
Here are six strategies to consider to decide a pivot:
1. Identify Your Choices
We all have choices and that can mean to do nothing too. I remember being on a team that just didn’t work for me. I needed to move into another area of the bank and I knew it. But I had to spend a great deal of time figuring out my direction. Some changes are of course bigger than others, but make sure to see all the sides of a pivot and be clear if that pivot will help you grow and align with your values. But if the answer is yes, then make it happen.
2. Create a Few Goals, Including a Stretch Goal
To be successful with a pivot, developing goals can be instrumental. Goals help you stick with your plan in measurable ways. They hold you accountable. Write them out and keep them visible.
- What are your short-term goals and objectives in following a new road?
- What stretch goal is necessary to help you keep growing your leadership?
- What is your over-arching long-term goal that you plan to achieve?
3. Bring in the Advisers
When deciding on a pivot, check-in with people you trust and admire. These advisers can be your co-workers, friends, relatives or bosses. Running your ideas past your fan club and asking for honest feedback can be quite insightful. Before I pivoted to another team I met with my mentor who helped me assess my career goals as well as connected me with a team leader. Don’t miss up the opportunity to get input and guidance. Sometimes a coach can be a helpful thought partner to explore which path matters most at this point in your life.
4. Clarify Your Direction
Carefully design your pivot using your goals to guide you. Know the actions you want to take and set yourself up for a successful journey. Make sure you have everything in place and you have opened your mind to your new choices. If any additional training or experience is needed, be sure to build that in.
5. Try It Out
Now comes the time to mesh all your hard work together. Give the pivot a shot and try not to look back. Put your whole heart and mind into your new direction. Work as hard as you can to make it successful.
- Ask for feedback and be open to receive it.
- Spend extra time developing your skills.
- Don’t get discouraged if at first it is very difficult.
6. Nothing Is Set In Stone
All is not lost if you need to tweak your decision. Oftentimes we don’t know how we will feel about a pivot until we are in it. Readjust if it will make your pivot more satisfying and empowering. It can sometimes take a few tries to get it right.
I had to pivot after the storm came and cancel my private guide. But with support from my fan club (my husband) we chose an alternative plan for the day. And it was fantastic!
What pivots have worked for your leadership? How did you make them happen?
If you are open to exploring a pivot with me, just click here.