You’d have thought that the pandemic would have made pivoting something that everyone got really good at doing, both professionally and personally.
For some people, though, pivoting was a foreign concept before Covid. No matter how necessary it was (and is), it remains a fatiguing and frustrating process for them.
If that’s you, don’t worry, Brainzooming has your back!
5 Steps to Pivot Strategically
Here’s a five-step Pivot - Pivot - Pivot Routine to help you navigate unexpected twists and turns that you still face with ease and grace.
1. Figure Out Your Vital RolesFirst things first: identify your vital roles and responsibilities. Who are you in business? In your personal life? Are you a superhero parent or a CEO extraordinaire? Your vital roles provide a through line through any pivots you make. Knowing your most important roles and responsibilities will make it easier to pivot strategically when the time comes to make changes.
2. Spell Out What You Are Trying to AchieveNext, define what you're trying to achieve. Asking and answering this granddaddy of all strategic thinking questions provides valuable focus. It’s the primary goal that's going to help you navigate through the pivot. It’s your compass to keep you on track.
3. Pick the Right Perfect
We all know perfectionism can be the enemy of innovation and progress, especially when you are having to pivot rapidly. It’s critical to identify what needs to be perfect and what can be good enough. Don't let the pursuit of perfection slow you from pivoting quickly and successfully.
4. Develop Multiple Options
Developing and keeping your options open is tremendously helpful when it comes to pivoting. You want enough good choices to be able to keep moving and adapting in a timely fashion. Quickly assess your situation and actively solicit input from others with relevant perspectives as you consider all the possibilities. And remember: be comfortable with figuring things out in the moment and relying on your strategic instincts.
5. Concentrate on Priorities
As you begin pivoting, stay focused on the critical priorities you’ve identified. Create checklists to make sure you're addressing everything that’s important. As you flex, remember to consider varying scenarios and their implications.
Pivoting Your Way to Better Results
Pivoting doesn't have to be scary, even if it does drain you.
Use these five-steps to plan your pivot as best possible and navigate your way through it. Just remember to stay flexible, embrace the unexpected, and always keep learning and improving.
Who knows, maybe you'll even learn to love the thrill of the pivot! – Mike Brown
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