Pivoting at the Office.

In today’s ever-changing world, adaptability has become the cornerstone of success. The ability to pivot has never been more crucial. Whether you’re an individual striving for personal growth or a business aiming to navigate a shifting market, mastering the art of pivoting can be your greatest asset. 

Change is constant, and as we’ve seen in recent years, unforeseen disturbances can reshape our lives personally and professionally. Those who resist change may find themselves left behind and those who embrace ‘the pivot’, not only survive but oftentimes thrive in the face of inconstancy.

What is Pivoting?

The definition - noun: pivot; to shift direction swiftly and strategically in response to changing circumstances.

Pivoting is not a skill we are all naturally equipped with, and when faced with situations that demand this skill, we can be subjected to feelings of uncertainty and hesitation. It’s imperative to have a strategy in place for handling the unforeseen. 

Three Principles for Pivoting.

Here are three key principles to help you create a strategy that supports you embracing a pivot:

1. Stay Agile and Adaptable: Embracing a pivot often involves a shift in strategy or direction. To navigate this change successfully, remain flexible and open to new ideas. Adaptability is key, so be willing to adjust your plans and methods as needed. 

Example: Imagine planning an in-person office workshop for a client presentation, but suddenly, unexpected travel restrictions are imposed. You quickly pivot to a virtual webinar and digital presentations, showcasing your adaptability and ensuring a successful outcome.*

*With the wonderful embrace of virtual meetings, this is an easy pivot.

2. Seek Feedback and Input: Don't make the pivot decision in isolation. Engage with your team, colleagues, mentors, or advisors to gather different perspectives. Their insights can help you refine your strategy and ensure that your pivot is well-informed. 

Example: As the dedicated Executive Assistant providing support to the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of a rapidly expanding company, you have a pulse on the team's energy and objectives. You witness distress with a few members, and burnout on the horizon. You propose to your executive the formation of a retreat to foster team cohesion, strategic alignment, and innovation. You offer to take a proactive approach by designing an intake form to gather input and achieve a consensus from the 8-person team. By soliciting input from each team member, you aim to capture a comprehensive understanding of their perspectives. By seeking input from each team member, you reinforce the importance of their voices in shaping the company's culture and strategic direction. Ultimately, this proactive approach not only ensures the success of the potential retreat but also strengthens the bonds and shared purpose among the team, contributing to the company's continued growth and success.

3. Plan Strategically: While flexibility is essential, it's also crucial to have a well-thought-out plan for your pivot. Set clear goals, establish milestones, and create a roadmap for implementation. This structured approach will help you stay on track and measure your progress as you embrace the change. 

Example: Imagine you’re a project manager, when your office decides to pivot project management software. You set clear goals, like boosting efficiency by 30%, establish milestones, such as upgrading collaboration features, and create a roadmap. 

These three principles serve as the foundation of mastering the art of pivoting, whether you’re navigating personal changes or adapting to shifts in your career. By embracing change, setting clear goals, and developing resilience and adaptability, you’ll be better equipped to pivot successfully in challenging situations and environments.  

Launch Pad: 

1. Embrace adaptability and highlight the importance of staying flexible. Staying informed is a great way to be flexible. The more context you have, the better your decision making.

2. Seek collaborative input from your team to encourage a culture of open communication. You could hold regular brainstorming sessions. Create a [lunch and learn] schedule.

3. Plan with a purpose as effective pivots require a well-thought-out strategy. Having a clear understanding of the overall object, end-result, will help when needing to pivot.

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