Step back to leap forward
One of the interesting subjects that l enjoyed studying in school was Management. This subject had it all, as we had to understand topics in other disciplines like psychology, sociology, philosophy, economics, just to mention a few, in order to fully appreciate it.
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In fact, the behavioural science of management helped us to appreciate the psychological and sociological processes like attitude, motivations, and group dynamics that influence people.
Err mm, we were also told that management was an art too, because it required a specific skill set that was “personal” to individuals. You need a set of skills to be able to become an effective manager; must have planning, organisation and leadership skills- the least requirement!
But throughout my studies, and in life, one guidance note in management that has influenced me the most is the lesson on how one needed to, at a point in time, pause, reflect and decide on the next course of action. In other words, what it means is that there comes a time that organisational leaders (managers or you) must join hands and minds in a strategic discussion to take stock of the path travelled, look at what worked- and what didn’t- and decide on the next course of action.
I call this a step back to leap forward. It is important to take a step back in your private life too, and ask yourself the critical questions about what has happened, why it happened, and what it all means for the future. Historians do it better.
They believe that history gives us the opportunity to learn from others' past mistakes, understand the many reasons why people may behave the way they do, and help us to become better at decision-making.
Generally, by reflecting on the past, we find common threads, general components of situations that we can use to create lessons and ideas for the future. You have your own “life-case-study” that you must review at regular intervals.
Okay! Now, let’s take a step back, shall we? Great. We are almost ending the first month of the second quarter, so how would you describe the life experience so far? Has it been according to plan?
In simple terms, if you should compare the notes you made on 31st December, 2021 and the promises therein about your life, to what has actually played out, would you say you are on course?
I am not sure what your answer would be but I will offer some reflective thoughts on events so far this year, perhaps, it will help in your assessment.
The recent meetings of the IMF and the World Bank came up with very interesting statements about the global economy, for example. In sum, what the Bretton Woods institutions appeared to say was that with wobbly feet the global economy trudges along!
Almost all the regional economic blocs did not register impressive performance or did not enjoy a bright outlook, according to the Fund and the World Bank. And as we live in the global economy together, you may have done your own assessments too.
So, at this point, the big questions are as follows: Has hope turned to despair given the narrative about the global economic situation so far? Or, do you still have hope, optimistic that the targets that you have set for yourself would be achieved by the end of the year?
In effect, l believe it is the right time for us all to pause and reflect on the journey we have travelled on so far, “recalibrate” and calculate at the same time, how much more we need to do to get to the finish line.
Perhaps you made your New Year resolutions at the start of 2023 without much information about how things would go in broad terms, or that some current personal problems had not crystallised. With the benefit of hindsight, this is the time to recalibrate – pause, reflect and change course if you find your wheels have spun off- track.
Consider, as part of this reflection, whether your resolution or plans for the year are still pragmatic, measurable, achievable, and above all within the set timelines. In fact, you should ensure that you are self-disciplined in your approach to deliver your personal plans from temptation!
In the April 4, 2020 edition of this column, I had cause to touch on a subject closely related to what l am discussing now. And I explained in that edition how you can plan your life but you would not achieve anything if the plan is not able to help you develop results or overcome problems in a pragmatic way.
I also explained that when you set intermediate goals too they help in the achievement of the ultimate goal. Every intermediate goal helps you to pause and reflect, -- a step back to leap forward. This is the time to relook at the intermediate goals that you set to guide your achievement of the bigger goal.
Let me revisit the example I used in the January 4, 2020 edition of this column also, for clarity on intermediate goals. This is what I said: “Whenever golfers are engaged in a championship, they are always aware of the ultimate prize.
It could be just a nice citation, cash or just recognition and admission into an exclusive club. But, they also know that they have to have intermediate goals, take some baby steps and large ones, to overcome obstacles to have a solid ‘par’ performance in comparison with competitors.
By achieving that, chances are, the golfer will be able to achieve the ultimate goal”. That is what the step back does: it helps you to identify intermediate goals that will help you to achieve the ultimate goal, as the whole can be daunting sometimes.
Now the leap forward; how do you do that? Well, I am going to use an observed pattern with a shot putter to explain this.
As an enthusiastic sports fan, I have sometimes followed how the athletes of this track and field event would often bend backwards before applying full “forward” force to "push" this heavy spherical ball—the shot—as far as possible.
It is possible the backward bend helps to reinvigorate the muscles and helps with the throw of the ball. That is how a step back, literally, helps with the forward leap.
There is a lot happening around us that can create negative feelings sometimes. From sensational news headlines, hard facts, truths, half-truths to hyperbolic clickbait, there is always something in the news competing for our attention.
But not all the information available is helpful and useful to us all. In all this, be mindful of what you read, watch or hear from the various news sources because not all information is worth your attention. Some information provided out there are not delivered with the right intention.
When you see signs of despair, always take a step back, reflect, perhaps count your blessings too, and you will realise that there is more ahead than what is lost in terms of time and resources. This will help with your leap forward.
