Inside Strategic Coach: Scary Times Success Manual Part 2

Host & Guest

• Host: Shannon Merer
• Guest: Dan Sullivan

Background

• Context: Discussing the "Scary Time Success Manual" created in the aftermath of 9/11.
• Purpose: Offer practical strategies to handle drastic changes in business and personal life.
• Previous Part: Covered strategies 1-5.
• Current Episode: Covering strategies 6-10.

Origin of the Manual

• Written after the 9/11 attacks while Dan was in Chicago hosting a workshop for entrepreneurs.
• Workshop continued despite the national crisis, leading to insightful strategies on handling crises.
• Strategies emerged from real-time responses and post-event reflections.

Strategy 6: Forget About the Future, Focus on Today

• Key Idea: The future is a construct based on our expectations, but we must adapt quickly to changing realities.
• Action: Focus on what can be done today; reinforcing connections and ensuring readiness for tomorrow.
• Analogy: Like Pearl Harbor Day, you need to decide quickly whether to act or stay focused.
• Implementation: Emphasize immediate, actionable steps to influence outcomes within the next 24 hours.
• Resourcefulness: Importance of preparation and leveraging existing capabilities for new needs.

Strategy 7: Forget About Who You Were, Focus on Who You Can Be

• Key Idea: Life circumstances change who we need to be; adapt roles to meet current challenges.
• Focus: Shifting from past roles to new opportunities for leadership and support in the crisis.
• Personal Improvement: Use current challenges as a chance for self-improvement and bettering relationships.
• Historical Impact: This crisis will be a defining event; how we handle it will be remembered.
• Examples: Leaders showing humor and a sense of perspective are crucial in times of crisis.

Strategy 8: Forget About Events, Focus on Your Responses

• Key Idea: Events are out of control, but responses are within our control.
• Responsibility: The ability to respond positively enhances personal and communal resilience.
• Preparation: Effective crisis management relies on the highest previous level of preparation.
• Distinction: Being responsive (thoughtful actions) vs. reactive (fear-based actions).

Strategy 9: Forget About What’s Missing, Focus on What’s Available

• Key Idea: Focus on available resources rather than lament missing ones.
• Adaptation: Adjust routines to current realities, like creating work-home separation and maintaining structure.
• Appreciation: Increase value in what is available (e.g., technological tools, remote communication).
• Resourcefulness: Leveraging existing technology and spaces to maintain productivity and morale.

Strategy 10: Forget About Your Complaints, Focus on Your Gratitude

• Key Idea: Shift from dwelling on negatives to appreciating positives.
• Creation of Gratitude: Active appreciation and increasing value in things outside oneself.
• Team Response: Recognizing and valuing the quick adaptation and responsibility of team members during crises.
• Outcome: Building resilience and positive memories by focusing on gratitude and service to others.

Practical Implementation

• Discussion: Regularly discuss these strategies with family, team, and community to reinforce positive outlooks.
• Scheduling: Dedicate time to implement each strategy repeatedly to build strong habits.
• Sharing: Distribute insights and strategies to broader networks to foster collective resilience.

Closing Thoughts

• Positive Impact: Emphasize calm, focus, and confidence in personal and professional spheres.
• Multiplier Effect: Positive actions inspire more positive actions, creating a supportive community.