Leaders Lead
How to Be More Certain During These Uncertain Times
Beth Standlee
By Beth Standlee, CEO, TrainerTainment
Spoiler alert-Our day to day lives don’t feel much like a party! One day we can open only to close in a few days. We can open but only at 50% or less. We begin to get traction and then there is an outbreak and the best public health decision is to shut down! Facial coverings are recommended…now they are mandated. One thing that is certain is we are all learning on the fly! Adaptability is necessary.
If you’re a person who prioritizes certainty as one of your greatest human needs, please call me so I can add you to my prayer list. Right now, uncertainty is the order of the day and I thought we might compare what we know to what we don’t know and see what can be done now.
What We Know:
• We are open/or not at some limited capacity
• Revenue is less (or a lot less) than the prior year
• Large-group gatherings are on hold
• People must feel comfortable to be in a public space
• Schools field trips are “out” during the 2020/2021 school year
• Birthdays WILL be celebrated no matter what
• In many cases, PPP money has been spent based on lower revenue
What We Don’t Know:
• When we can be open fully
• When we can get back to pre-pandemic $$$
• How long large-group gatherings will be on hold
• The long-term impact of families learning to entertain their children at home
• Can (small group) “Family Field Days” replace school field trips?
• Can we make the case for a safe, memorable birthday?
• Can we run efficiently enough to manage expenses based on lower revenue?
There are many items that belong on this list. My goal was to help get you started. Sometimes the best we can do is start. There are many good things that have gone on during this time. Locations are cleaner than ever. Recently, a food and beverage manager told me, with great pride, it looked like they had all brand-new equipment in their kitchen!
When it comes to people, It’s been easy to see who’s most loyal and invested in bringing your brand back to the public. Team members have accepted reduced wages, taken on new responsibilities, and have focused on what must be done right now in these uncertain moments.
I believe there are many unintended outcomes, that in the long run will be good for us all personally and professionally. I’m also aware that there will be many in our industry who will need to make new choices. It is a tough time. Someone recently quoted Robert Schuller who authored the book, Tough Times Never Last but Tough People Do. How appropriate!
I believe leaders go first. They do their best to be out front. Often times, leaders make their best guess and take the first step, and then another. A sidestep or two may be required along the way. Backing up may also be the best choice. No matter the situation, those who survive and ultimately thrive, take action, even when the unknown seems overwhelming.
Leaders predict, even during unpredictable times. If ever there was a time to be willing to be wrong, now is that time. I’m not suggesting you throw caution to the wind and risk it all. However, I am recommending you work on the list above, collaborate with others (call me), and then make some calculated decisions and move forward with each possible moment.
I do believe, at some point, we will be able to “Party On” once again. Until that time, I encourage you to make the most of each small moment, each small group gathering, and every single little win!
Beth is the CEO of TrainerTainment LLC, a training company devoted to the family entertainment and hospitality industries. Beth and her team are focused on helping the companies they serve to make more money through sales, guest service, leadership and social media marketing training. Training products and services are delivered in person, through books and DVDs, and virtually with e-learning courses, webinar development and 24/7 online access. Visit her company’s website at www.trainertainment.com.
