A response to a crisis follows three phases:
Phase 1: Looking backward – this begins with denial and continues into argument, anger and bargaining.

Phase 2: Looking lost – when anger and bargaining with what was and is no more has been used up, it gives way to confusion. The reference that was used as an anchor is no longer there, and there isn’t a new point of reference yet.  Confusion leads to feeling and looking lost which gradually may lead to surrender.

Phase 3: Looking forward – If the second phase has led to surrender it opens a way up into a third phase. From surrender and acceptance there is a shift toward looking forward, to identifying new opportunities and to adaptive emergence.

Some never go past the first phase. Some stay at the second phase for far too long. Resilience is being able to metabolize from phase one through two and quickly move into the third phase.

© Aviv Shahar

Aviv Shahar :: Nov.03.2008 :: Organizational Development, Personal Growth, Reflections, Tough Times :: No Comments »

This KEY gets you started on your strategic planning for 2009. Although we are in the midst of the greatest financial crisis in a century, we can confidently say that a brighter future is ahead of us. Why? Because on the other side of what may be a difficult and challenging phase are new and amazing developments, brilliant innovations and extraordinary opportunities. The seeds of these opportunities are being sown right now, amidst the destruction. Soon they will begin to blossom.

Now, more than ever, you must be reflective and strategic. Agility and speed, poise and clarity of purpose are just a few of the things you have to focus on as a leader. To help you make the next year the best it can be, explore the 10 areas below.

For you to gain the benefits of this, you must allow it time and space. Make a commitment to engage in this strategy workout. You might need a 90 minute concentrated session; or, you may prefer to break it up into two sessions or a series of sessions. Ideally, plan to have this workout in the next 10 days. Do not wait for December. Block the time out on your calendar now.

Click here to find 10 exploration areas to help you develop your next-year strategy.

© Aviv Shahar

Aviv Shahar :: Nov.01.2008 :: The Key :: No Comments »