Why Regroup? Step back for a moment to look at the big picture; see the how, where and what of the roles you are playing; make changes where needed; reorganize/regroup to get back in the game.
After a 15-year working relationship, Cheri’s office administrator left to pursue a new opportunity. While at first it was a shock and an unwelcomed change, it became a powerful catalyst to see how the team could rise up, become innovative and positively bounce back. After tearful goodbyes and reluctant acceptance, Cheri rallied her team to discover where they would go from there.
With fresh eyes, her team came together to regroup to say, “This is where we are and what our team looks like now. It’s a big loss, but what are we going to do moving forward?” They found creative, strategic, and positive ways to make their culture better than ever. Regrouping is a critical part of adapting to change—it is a series of proactive actions that acknowledge the change, to recover, then begin to re-position for success.
5 Ways to Successfully Regroup
- Slow down to go fast. Stop, contemplate, and reflect before making any further changes.
- Be honest and transparent. Question everything.
- Don’t make huge changes all at once, but be willing to observe and reconsider; have the tough conversations, as individual roles shift or have further demands.
- Seek outside help from a coach, consultant, counselor, or advisor to mediate, stimulate, and help implement needed solutions.
- Gain buy-in from the people who will be impacted to unify for a shared mission.
Drop Back and Punt
Football provides an excellent metaphor for regrouping. When a team is in possession of the ball, but cannot advance its agenda any further, they must “drop back and punt.” Doing this requires that they step back to reassess and reorganize their strategy in pursuit of winning the game. When your prospects are looking dim and your options are limited, “drop back and punt” to approach your activities from a renewed vantage point.
When you are faced with change and apply this regrouping process, you are better equipped to make decisions. Think new opportunity as you take each new step. Rather than settling back into old habits and doing what you’ve always done, create something fresh, original, and awesome.
“Growth is a spiral process, doubling back on itself, reassessing and regrouping.”
—Julia Margaret Cameron
