Positive Ways to Deal with Uncertainty

September 28th, 2008 Posted in General, Leadership, Newsletter, No Complaining Rule

These are uncertain times. People are wondering what bank is going to fail next. We’re questioning how our industry and job will be impacted. We’re confused about what action to take. Unfortunately this uncertainly creates what I call a VOID and my theory is that where there is a VOID negativity will fill it.

In my work with people and organizations I’ve found that when there is a void of clear and positive communication people start to assume the worst and act accordingly. Employees not only want to be seen and heard but they also want to see and hear. The same goes for bank customers, citizens of countries, professional athletes, teachers and parents, students and everyone.

At the root, it’s all about fear. When we are uncertain, fear and negativity creep in and dominate our thoughts, behavior and actions. This leads to a lack of trust, productivity, focus, teamwork and success. Instead of taking positive actions to thrive we go into survival mode and just try to survive.

Recently I received a letter from my insurance company that shared their financial strength and vision for the future. They explained with a detailed analysis how this mortgage crisis has minimally impacted them and my policy. They filled the void with positive communication and positive energy.

You and I must do the same. Regardless of market conditions we must consistently fill the void with positive communication. Leaders, get on the phone or personally meet with your company and share your vision for the future and your fiscal status - WEEKLY. Managers, communicate to your people. Give them feedback. Let each person know where they stand. Talk about their fears. Explain your plan of action. Tell them how you plan to win in the marketplace. Sales people, talk to your customers. Call them up. Meet with them. Ask about their fears and needs. Show them a positive vision for the future and explain how you are positioned to help them get there. If you always fill the void with positive energy then negativity and fear can’t breed and grow.

Now more than ever, communicate with your organization, communicate with your team, and communicate with your customers. Positive communication helps develop trust. Trust leads to successful relationships. Successful relationships grow your business in any economy.

Join the conversation here on our blog by posting your comments about this post and how you and/or your organization are taking steps to stay positive during uncertain times.

Stay Positive!
-Jon | www.JonGordon.com

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  1. 18 Responses to “Positive Ways to Deal with Uncertainty”

  2. By Stacie on Sep 29, 2008

    thanks..I need that!

  3. By Cathy on Sep 29, 2008

    What if the communication that you need to give is not positive? How do you remain positive when your company is being strongly impacted and the current outlook is grim?

  4. By Sandi on Sep 29, 2008

    I am a Real Estate Broker and just this morning thought that is is time to send out a communication to all of my customers, but, What would I say? Thank you for the guidance to make it a positive communication. I agree but needed to be reminded myself. Thanks!

  5. By Jon Gordon on Sep 29, 2008

    Cathy,
    If the news isn’t positive i would still make sure i communicate and let everyone know where you stand and offer a plan to improve. Even if the news isn’t good people would rather be “in the know” rather than “in the dark”. It’s the fear and uncertainy that is worse than anything. Personally you should also remain optimistic and focus on what can be done rather than what can’t. Read the past newsletters on this. You have more influence than you think you do.

    Sandi, i would speak from the heart and let your clients know you are there for them and ready to help them in this challenging market. I’m sure you can create a better letter than i could since you know your industry and clients best. Definitley share it with a few trusted colleagues before sending and get their input as well.

  6. By Leissa on Sep 29, 2008

    I’ve worked in the mortgage industry for 32 years. I see so many of my comrades succumbing to the negativity; almost eager to top each other’s stories. Since I’ve made my focus to be positive; I’ve gotten more new business than I’ve had in several months and, more importantly, people are learning not to bring their negativity around me. I think I am actually “creating an environment where negativity can’t breed.” I gave a speech in my Toastmaster group based on Jon’s book, The Energy Bus, and got rave reviews. I think folks are hunger for positive energy; some just don’t know it. ;-)

  7. By Mo on Sep 29, 2008

    Re: VOID

    I’m managing not to listen to the messages emanating from our financial experts. Its people like them who got us into this mess in the first place. My advice? Just get on with life, pay your bills (or ask for help in plenty of time if you need it). Enjoy living, growing older. I can remember back in the 80s when there was a minor credit crunch, I was in a rented flat with two small children, my neighbours were horrible, the town was dying as the industries closed down. Every day, I was thinking is this it? My void was filled with negatives.

    Within 5 years though, the economy had changed as had I had changed, my husband changed jobs, we’d enough to buy our own small house in a different town, and all my new neighbours had had similar life experiences.

    20 years on, there have been many life changes - some good, some not so good. But hey! I’m still living and breathing,have the freedom to walk the streets and the countryside is still free too.

    I’ve learnt to fill that Void with positives.

    Keep up the good work Jon!

  8. By Jon Gordon on Sep 29, 2008

    Leissa,
    I couldn’t have said it any better. I’m thrilled you are driving the Energy Bus and inviting others along for the ride. I agree that people are hungry for Positive Energy and I’m thankful people like you are sharing it. Enjoy the ride.

  9. By Manuel Martinez on Sep 29, 2008

    You hit the nail right on the HEAD, in this times we all need positive energy all around us. I am taking my team and surrounding them with more positive energy than ever before, we are providing more clarity, focus and confidence in our market place today.

  10. By Gayle on Sep 29, 2008

    I consider myself an optimistic person. After reading the Energy Bus and this article I realize one has to “choose” their attitude and fill it with positive communications. It seems people look for negativity and dwell on it.

    My role in my job is to help potential students choose the appropriate post-secondary education after high school. With the economic crisis, they worry about how to afford their education and live toward their dreams. Sometimes it is hard to know what to say to encourage them.

    Thank you for the tips…I will share them with my fellow co-workers.

  11. By Dr. Kristen Ude on Sep 29, 2008

    Yes, faith calls things that appear not as though they already were. We are so habituated to take our cues from our senses and the environment, but it’s when we live from faith that we actually bring into being what we expect to see. If it all looks like it’s falling apart, know that is only one of an endless number of reports. Turn it around in your head and know there is a source of power higher than you who knows of what He speaks. We do need to pay attention so that fear doesn’t fill the void. Thanks for being a positive community for me.

  12. By Carolyn Herring on Sep 29, 2008

    The positive energy and encouragent we give
    will return back to us in the same way.
    Let’s plant great seeds and watch them grow,
    great faith-builders!

  13. By Michael on Sep 29, 2008

    I am a real estate agent (read broker) in New Zealand and we have our own troubles right now, not yet like you people are experiencing in the USA.

    I was interested in Sandi’s comment above and Jon’s response which rests particularly welll with me. By and large the real estate industry, for my money is ego driven and over recent years real estate people have talked the market up (supposedly in their own interests) for as long as they could get away with it, but now the “chickens have come home to roost” and there is no dodging, or, side-stepping the truth.

    Just to say I am more or less just starting out in my own business (working alone) and probably could not have picked a worse time to do this.
    My marketing budget is very small, however,because I try hard to be a “realistic optimist” I might try Jon’s suggestion of referring to the “challenging market” and I am here to help or support you etc. or words to that effect. Nobody else is doing this in my small town, and such an approach is totally comfortable for me.
    Thank you to the other contributors who have also expressed their sentiments that we need to select the “positive” approach!

  14. By patty on Sep 30, 2008

    I have your newsletters sent to my work account and read them with my regular work related mail. Not only have I used the suggestions at my place of work but also at home. It has created quite a few epiphany moments!!! No Complaining!

  15. By Grammy on Sep 30, 2008

    Your words in this news letter are very good to spread the word to business. Something has to turn around to prevent a depression. I thought my daughters job was secure. She was a chemical engineer. This last month her whole department was let go. Who would have thought that hospitals would import radiation generators, for MRI, cat scan, etc. from another country. Fear is running through so many people.
    We need to change this before it is to late. Your positive words need to be put to use by all company’s. To ensure people there jobs are safe.

  16. By Susan Leary on Sep 30, 2008

    Bull’s Eye! Fear is the problem. No one wants to lose everything they have. How to get at the facts is another story all together. Lying and Greed seem to be the activity of the times. I usually treat “lying” as the liar’s problem. However, the liars are affecting my life and that of my family. To make matters worse, I vote and I study the platforms ahead of time. I don’t remember voting for these agendas. I will continue to vote, write letters and try to make my single voice heard. What a monumental task!

  17. By hammer on Sep 30, 2008

    Out of curiosity, what insurance company?

  18. By E Magowan on Oct 1, 2008

    Thank you, Jon, for this inspiring and influential article!

  19. By HoYun on Oct 9, 2008

    It was purely by chance that I met your book in the online bookstore. And now I really thank God for leading me to your positive world! Your words evoke me from my negative thoughts and now I’m chanllenging myself to overcome the adversities around me. Actually, I have been struggling with myself for the decision whether stay or leave my company because I am looking forward to the better job which I can fully perform my talents.
    Nothing clear right now, but the only thing I am willing to grab strongly is the positive energy.

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