Today, any celebration of milestones seems a bit self-serving considering our unprecedented global public health and economic challenges. Yet, as we approach Talent Plus Asia Pacific office’s 13^th anniversary, it is that very work over the years which has helped our client partners take on the challenges for business recovery they now face.  

At Talent Plus, our talent-based development strategies focus on maximizing areas of strengths. This methodology truly shines in uncertain times, as talent rises to meet and overcome challenges.

Starting from a strengths-based perspective, reflect on your expertise within your role, your place within your team and your contributions to your organization’s culture. 

Re-discover Self

Perhaps it is time to bring out your Talent Card or simply reflect on how your talents can contribute to yourself, your team and organization in these difficult times. Lean on team members who have positivity, they bring positive vibes and energy to others feeling a bit low or even depressed. Let them be the ambassador to send out positive messages every day to lift the spirit of the team. 

Leaders with strong, long-term vision, or conceptualization strength, can bring different perspectives and clarity to the big picture and unite the team to focus on the why. People will in return offer their loyalty because they understand they are contributing to something more profound and meaningful for the future. 

People with adaptability and problem-solving talent can bring creative solutions to build processes and find resources to create efficiency to get the business through tough times. 

Finally, develop a personal commitment card about how you would lead teams in these challenging times based on your talent, value, purpose, expectations and communicate that with your peers and direct reports. 

Re-discover Team

With less travel and more time on your calendar, schedule one-on-one time with your individual team members via Zoom or Microsoft teams. Use this time to reflect and dialogue on individual team members’ talents, find out what is on their mind and offer a listening ear. All of this would mean a lot during these stressful times. Consider asking these key questions: 

• Tell me about your current situation 
• What are your struggles? 
• What are some things you can do about it? 
• What support do you need from me or others? 

Even when your team is not in the same physical space, it is imperative to continue to build relationships and show care. Make the time to create individualized development plans for them based on their strengths. Setting personal goals provides a motivating force, and team goals provide opportunities for your team to invest in their relationships.  

While this is a time of uncertainty, it is important that you are transparent and increase your communication frequency with your team members. Be honest with them about your worries and transparent about what might be the potential changes they can expect.  People would appreciate knowing where they stand and learning what you are facing. 

Re-imagine Your Culture

Take time to energize and re-visit your vision, mission and values with your teams in order to be future ready. What is your strategic vision that excites you and gives you a sense of confidence in the possibilities for the organization’s future?  Create new rituals and celebration moments to build a strong culture from afar. Help the team envision building upon your existing strengths to become an even great advantage in the future. One way to start implementing this is by acknowledging and, yes, celebrating small successes and new ways each team member tackles and overcomes challenges. 

It would be easy to respond with frustration or fear to current events, but this is a good time to focus on what matters. Investing in people and strengthening the culture that sets you apart, and when the time is right you will accelerate and launch to new heights.