This post first ran in 2009, a point of crisis that may not quite equal what we've got with the coronavirus pandemic but might be a helpful reference point.
I've been hearing a theme play out in a number of places recently, from research and articles online to conversations with my clients and colleagues. It's a theme of tension between two alternating responses to the our current time of crisis.
In the one corner, we have what I'll call the Do Anything Just Do Something response. Shake it up. Try something new. Pick a bunch of tactics, throw 'em at the wall and see what sticks. Gotta do something ... and do it quick!
In the other corner, we have the Our Big Chance for Alignment response. Finally, an unprecedented opportunity to get our act together, get the ships all sailing in the same direction. Create a sense of cohesion and coherence in our disparate reward plans. Take a deep breath ... and get it right!
Which is correct?
Maybe both. I think we want to find that fine line and walk it. A sense of urgency is appropriate and necessary, and so may be a bit of experimentation. But I also think we want to hold hard to an overall sense of direction and purpose, for the precedents we set now may be tough to displace later on, when there is a chance to catch our breath.
What's your take?
Creative Commons image Chaos by Iris van Loon
Comments