I received this when the Coronavirus had locked down India, causing widespread fear and anxiety. COVID-19 had struck havoc, and governments worldwide were on an overdrive to check the spread of the contagion.
I could go to the office, as those in the news media were allowed to travel for work. But my family couldn’t step out. It was a house arrest of sorts, in the sense that you could not leave your home.
The colleague who sent the text was correct. I did have fun, but not because of any special privileges. In most situations, you can also shape the outcome and quality of your experiences.
What you make of an opportunity or situation depends on how you think and act. Given the same resources and opportunities, no two people experience similar outcomes. It depends (among other things) on what I call the ICE factors — your initiative, character, and enterprise.
The Holiday Analogy
Consider this: A, B and C are asked to plan a holiday. The location, time, money to be spent, and all other factors remain the same. At the end of the holiday, each one needs to share a report detailing the nature of their experiences. If you discount the luck factor that may occasionally make or mar an experience, what makes a difference to the outcome is the initiative, character and enterprise of these people.
Power of Initiative
The initiative is the spark that starts the fire. It’s the willingness to take the first step, to go beyond what’s expected, and to take risks.
Imagine you’re at a networking event. Everyone has the same opportunity to make connections. Some will stand by the buffet table, waiting for someone to approach them. Others will actively seek out conversations, introduce themselves to strangers, and exchange business cards. The latter group will leave the event with more connections and potential opportunities because they took the initiative.
Impact of Character
Your character shapes how you respond to situations and is the invisible force that guides your actions, decisions, and interactions with others. A positive, proactive character can inspire and motivate those around you.
Consider a manager who faces a crisis at work. One manager might panic, spreading anxiety and stress among the team. Another might approach the situation calmly and confidently, instilling a sense of reassurance and determination in the team. The difference in outcomes is often due to the manager’s character.
Role of Enterprise
Enterprise is about turning ideas into reality. It’s the ability to plan, execute, and follow through on your initiatives.
Think of someone who dreams of starting a business. Many people have great ideas, but only a few implement those ideas into successful enterprises. The difference lies in their ability to plan, execute, and adapt. They don’t just dream; they take concrete steps to make their dreams a reality.
Creating Positive Outcomes
You may not realise how much you can impact your experience and also your team’s experience if you are a manager. You may feel it is about money, other resources, luck, or any other factor, but that’s not necessarily true. That’s not to say that these factors don’t play a role. They can and do, but it’s not only about them.
Remember this golden rule: Your initiative, character, and enterprise can significantly influence the outcomes you experience. It’s not about having resources; how you use what you have can make all the difference.
About Me
I am a thinker at all times. I see, I think. I hear, I think. I read, I think. Every weekend I write. I would love to know what you think.