3 Soaring Strategies for Navigating Business Turbulence

In the vast expanse of the sky, hang gliding teaches us profound lessons on resilience and perspective. Just like when you’re navigating business turbulence, flying a hang glider can mean experiencing downdrafts and updrafts – and often trashy air! As a leader, you have to steer and guide your team through that turbulence. There are times when the forces of market volatility, unexpected challenges, and rapid changes threaten to throw you off course. Yet, it’s in these very moments of uncertainty that leaders like you can take a moment to realize how far you’ve come.

Navigating Business Turbulence is Part of Leadership

Just as an altimeter measures altitude in the dynamic atmosphere, key metrics and insights serve as your guide in the business landscape. During a particularly turbulent flight, despite the chaos, I checked my altimeter and discovered I that had gained a thousand feet higher when I thought I was sinking. This experience parallels the journey of leadership, where amid the daily pressures and upheaval, you may fail to recognize the progress you’re making.

Here are 3 strategies for navigating business turbulence when the going gets tough:

• Embrace the Turbulence: Just as a skilled pilot uses updrafts to climb higher, view challenges as opportunities to innovate and strengthen your leadership. Turbulence often forces you to think creatively and adapt, qualities that define successful leaders.
• Monitor Your Altimeter: In business, this means keeping a close eye on your key performance indicators (KPIs). Regularly check your metrics to understand where you’re finding lift and where you need to adjust your approach.
• Stay the Course: Persistence is key. There will be times when progress seems slow or non-existent. Keep focused on your long-term vision, even when immediate results aren’t apparent. And focus on the future with your team, too – jettison feedback!

The journey of leadership, much like hang gliding, is filled with ups and downs. By navigating business turbulence, keeping an eye on your progress, and persisting through challenges, you’ll not only navigate through the storms but also soar to new heights. Just as I learned while soaring my glider, sometimes you need to check your altimeter to realize how far you’ve come. You haven’t peaked yet!