Howard Partridge is an internationally recognized business coach, business owner, and best-selling author. He shares his tips for leading with a positive attitude and finding inspiration during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Failure To Implement

In his latest book, Failure to Implement, Howard highlights how important it is for leaders to take action and make decisions, even if you do not have all of the information. Instead of “reacting” which is a fear-based response, try “responding”, which is a faith-based reaction. 

Howard created a blueprint to help guide home services business owners during these uncertain times called PIVOT. The acronym stands for position, imagination, voice, opportunity, and training.

POSITION: In this moment, we are all approaching the challenge from a different place. For example, if you were responsible with finances before, you will respond differently than someone who is hanging by a thread. However, there is no time for regret. Understand where you are, then take advantage of that position. 

IMAGINATION: Get creative and see how you can maximize this time with new ideas and tackle your problems with innovative solutions.

VOICE: What kind of messages are you putting in your head? Be intentional about who you listen to. On the flip side, make sure your voice is being heard by your customers and team with strong communication. 

OPPORTUNITY: If you are not an essential business right now, take this time to partner with someone who is an essential business. There will be opportunities even in these hard times and it’s up to you to spot them.

TRAINING: Take this time to work on your business, learn something new, learn something you can do right now or in the future for your team and clients. 

Finding Inspiration in Crisis

You need to have a vision that inspires you from within, and positive motivation from outside sources. This means you should stop listening to news and gossip that may be impacting you negatively. 

Organization, Priorities, and Training

“What a beautiful opportunity to get your infrastructure together so that when things get back to normal, you have transformed.”

Howard highlights a few areas you should focus on organizing and implementing systems in your business that will support your priorities. 

1. Financial: If you have high-end clients, you could roll out a “pay now, play later” business.
2. Communication: Utilize your newsletter/email list to offer value to your clients with content.
3. Training: Consider how you can support your team whether it is by not penalizing them if they do not want to work due to the virus or offering part-time opportunities and further education and training via online resources. 
4. Personal Growth: Invest time in your own training to learn the marketing strategies, leadership concepts, and how you can build or improve systems you have been putting off giving your time and attention to.
5. Future Planning: Consider how you can prepare for the future. What is your plan for after this passes over? How can you be better prepared in the case of future emergencies and unforeseen circumstances?

Positive Mindset

Howard emphasizes the power of shutting down the negative mindset and focusing on the positive. When you have gratitude, you have less time to let fear in. It could be a lot worse for many of us. 

“Keep your head up and your eyes open and look for those opportunities. Look for the silver lining.”

You can learn more about Howard’s endeavors and resources at his site, HowardPartridge.com.