What is “Anchor Management?” Well, as you have learned over this series of articles, there are 3 positive anchors: Grounded in Calm Focus, Grounded in Thoughtful Response and Grounded in Regard for Others. In addition, there are 3 negative anchors: Grounded by a Lack of Courage, Grounded by a Lack of Initiative, and Grounded by a Lack of Perseverance.
Anchor Management is about maximizing our positive anchors while minimizing or eliminating our negative anchors.
In a similar fashion to the techniques used for anger management, there are steps you can use to address when you are not positively grounded or too negatively grounded. Or both. Consider these 5 Anchor Management steps:
- Recognize if your actions and words do not represent a properly grounded frame of mind. You can either self-realize this or someone close to you can point it out. You should empower a select group of people to point out instances when you exhibit negative traits. Choose these people carefully. And if they agree to provide insight and do so, listen to them!
- Believe that you can be positively grounded in any situation. ANY SITUATION! Remind yourself that no one controls what you do or say regardless of the circumstances. You must convince yourself that there is no situation that cannot be handled in a grounded fashion. You have this power: use it liberally.
- In a crisis, remember Calm Focus is paramount. Take some deep breaths, practice slow breathing or whatever puts you in a calm state of mind. Be sure to think carefully (and quickly if the situation warrants) about what input you are receiving, as in what other external factors you should be aware of and what specific outcome you wish to achieve. Then, put into action the plan or course of action that achieves the response you desire, not the immediate reaction you may feel.
- Be bold and express yourself in a professional and appropriate way. Prepare yourself to be ready when a moment arrives on which you can capitalize. Exercise courage, and reject feelings on inadequacy or concern over what others think that might be holding you back.
- Once you have an opportunity (or have carefully crafted one), take initiative to get things in motion to capitalize on it. Have the perseverance to see your project, goal, or dream through to completion. Don’t give up unless there is strong evidence that you are headed in the wrong direction.
Consistently using these Anchor Management steps will provide clarity and encouragement, enabling you to be a strategic leader who makes good decisions, particularly in a crisis.
To learn more about leadership, read my book Grounded. 