Reaching the shore, together.

It’s 5:10am. Still rolling over my bed even after three continuous late nights of work. Why can’t I fall asleep?

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Exactly two hours ago when I came home.. I was tired. Had a slight headache, may be allergic reaction to the (prawn) pizza I had without realising. Eyes were hurting, no wonder - I was staring at computer screen without my glasses. But now.., all good and my mind is happy. Our very first virtual event is over. That was for the US region, across two days (two nights for us - team here in Sri Lanka). Everything was new and challenging, but… ‘we’ made it.

( Photo by Joey Kyber )

I love challenges.

If you were pushed to the deep end, remember - always there are ways to come out. First it is stressful, then it’s mandatory to find a way to float, and finally it’s exciting to swim across.

And… reminiscing is amazing!

However, assume you are not in a pool. Instead paddling a small boat with few others in the sea. What if a bad storm hit suddenly, your boat is damaged, you lost communication and directions? Yeah, survival there is obviously challenging. But will you be able to think and act same as earlier scenario? No. Actually not possible. Why?

Mainly coz you are just one person within a group.

Everyone will have ideas, opinions, solutions. Fair enough, everyone expect to survive. But, can everyone be right? Is it possible to execute all the suggestions? Which are the valid points? What are the risks? How to decide on the best solution? There are various factors to consider.

( Photo by Ayotunde Oguntoyinbo )

But, one thing is clear and fixed. Everyone is in the same boat and expect the same result.

There are many aspects that varies from person to person

• Ability to understand (situation, risks, priorities etc)

• Analysing details

• Problem solving capabilities

• Mental stability (calmness over pressure)

• Willing to listen and respect others opinions

• Speed in decision making

• And, attitudes!

However you have to face the challenge, together. I doubt if there are right ways or linear processes to find solutions. But few points I believe that might help.

• Everyones’ voice should be heard and be considered.

• One person (better in analysing) should make the final call - on the most suitable solution.

• Once decided on the solution, everyone should believe in that and support to execute.

• One person should lead the execution. This person doesn’t have to be a ‘lead’ in title. In most cases it could be the one who came up with the solution that was agreed by the group as the most suitable solution. The reason for that solution to be the most suitable is, he has been thought through the problem clearly, and he has a mind map. Therefore it’s easier and faster to convert that mind map, in to actions.

• Rest of the members should fill the gaps - what ever arises within the execution process.

• Trust each other, and believe they will do their part properly. In case if someone seem to be failing, support him before everyone fail.

• By any chance if the first attempt didn’t work, find what went wrong and fix it. It doesn’t matter why and how you failed, what only matters is how to overcome. Focus on that.

• In case the reason to overall failure is someone failing in their task, understand the reason behind. Do not blame the person just because he don’t have the ability to complete his task, be supportive instead. Don’t let him get discouraged (you will lose one asset), let him feel you still trust him and willing to offer support.

• And most importantly, find right attitudes. No bosses - it’s all us. No ‘not my job’ - whoever you are yesterday, now your job could be ‘anything’ that matters at this point. That’s the spirit.

Turn a group in to a ‘team’. Don’t let storms scatter the team. Reach the shore, together.

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I met the SO (security officer) in the corridor around 1.30am carrying few tea cups. He made sure we had enough cups at the food station whenever we needed to be refreshed. I’m pretty sure he was tired same as me, but there was a gentle smile on his face… yes, he was a spirited team member.

Hmm, happiness can keep us sleepless too.