When Work Feels Impossible, Focus on the WELL part of Winning Well
Last week I was doing a Winning Well Leadership Training Program with the United Nations, when one of the participants, “Pete,” looked at me sincerely and said, “I hear you, and all these tools sound good, and I’m going to use them. But what do you when Winning is impossible?”
I waited for more.
“Our mission is world peace.”
Okay, Pete has a point.
And I’m writing this from an airplane on my way to speak to 900 healthcare workers whose mission is to create “26 million exceptional patient experiences a year. “That’s a tall order.
If I was facing a terrifying diagnosis, or I was watching my sister die, or my baby was born four months early, it would take a hell of a lot to convince me I was having an “exceptional” patient experience.
How to Win Well When Winning Feels Impossible
“Impossible” missions can crush the soul. You dig the wells, build a school, buy back the guns, and stabilize the village, only to find the next day a revolution causes you to evacuate.
Or despite an army of dedicated doctors and nurses all executing flawlessly together, the baby still dies.
I’m sure you have your stories too.
How do you get back up the next day and try again?
My advice to Pete and anyone else doing work that really matters is simply this.
Focus on the “well,” and the “wins” will follow. The Win with a capital W might be impossible, but the lower case wins add up and change the world.
Be confident your work makes a difference and stand up for what matters.
Stay humble, knowing that the mission is bigger than you and your frustrations.
Identify, reinforce and celebrate the specific behaviors that lead to breakthrough results. Discouraging times often call for a confidence burst.
Invest in the relationships with your team. Reach out to others who can help. Recognize the impact you’re making at a human level.
If you’re working on achieving the impossible, thank you.
First of all, incredibly happy to see the Winning Well movement moving around the world. Your advice certainly resonates with me. Not every win will be big and huge but each one is worth recognizing. Moreover, keep it up and ultimately the impact is one you can be proud of as you work towards your mission.
Will share!
Alli
Alli,
Thanks so much! We so appreciate your support.
Excellent and very imp directions for determined persons.
Invest in the “Relationships with your Team” is remarkable.
Zafarmanzoor. Sr. Exec, Pakistan.
Zafarmanzoor, Thanks so very much.