When the Crystal Ball is On the Fritz.

Our crystal balls are on the fritz. We don’t know what is going to happen. We can’t predict how many of our customers are going to return to our showrooms once we become fully operational. We’re not sure of the impact of the economic fallout from this crisis will have on our business. All of this uncertainty causes anxiety and stress. There’s no guide, standard operating procedures or even experiences that showroom owners can turn to for direction. We know of some owners that have had to take pay cuts, furlough great team members and be the bearer of bad news. Plus, working from home is not easy, especially if your role also includes home schooling and being proactive so your kids don’t bounce off the walls.

At a time like this, it’s easy to be stressed out, but don’t let it happen. Rich Fernandez is the CEO of the Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute that specializes in mindfulness and emotional intelligence programs. He advises that the most important leadership decision you can make during this crisis is self-compassion. It’s not about being soft or letting things go. It is about empathy and not beating yourself up for everything that is not perfect.

DPHA started the year with a bang. There was lots of positive energy. Making a prediction about what will come next is nearly impossible. However, that will not deter DPHA from staying true to its mission of being the source for education, connection and elevation. We continue to help members keep their fingers on the pulse of what’s happen through our newly established webinar program and in our weekly e-newsletter, Connections. Fernandez advises not to lose site of the big picture even though the pursuit of your team’s and business goals may have been temporarily put on hold.

Think positively and recognize that your team needs you now more than ever. They need guidance and want to be reassured that they continue to contribute meaningfully. Focus on small victories that you and your team can celebrate.

Additionally, remember to take care of yourself. In addition to eating healthier and getting enough sleep, make time to exercise. Note author Dan Pink offers guidance to motivate yourself. Don’t state that you need to exercise. Rather, state that you get to exercise. When you need or have to do something, it’s being forced upon you. When you get to exercise, it is your choice.