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Moving forward through the continuing COVID crisis may create unprecedented problems, but for this corporate developmental specialist, executives are problem-solvers first and foremost. Executive coach Russell Teter has survived more than one surprise in his 25 years in the business, making him uniquely suited to steer a ship through a storm. Fittingly, his last 14 years have been spent in service of the Maryland SBDC. Learning to navigate the unknown can be a powerful tool, and Part I of this conversation focuses on finding the way.
[2:17] A Library of Practical Knowledge
It is said that Rome was not built in a day, and the old adage reflects Russell Teter’s career path. His respected voice in organizational leadership was developed over a career spanning three decades and thousands of clients. Drawing contrast with the meteoric rises of today’s business world, Teter points to insights gained through those he has worked alongside as his greatest assets. By meticulously gathering time-tested information from a diverse array of dedicated individuals, he gets the most out of every connection he makes.
[3:27] The Constant is Change
“Adapt or perish” more than has earned its place as a truism in the business world and in life at large. For Teter, an added benefit of a slow build to sustainable success is developing a tolerance for uncertainty. Regardless of how long your business model has existed or how successful it may have been, the time will come when it must be reimagined. The COVID crisis underscores this reality. Whether a one-man operation or a titan like Disney, organizations only thrive when they employ methods suited to the atmosphere around them.
[5:19] Beyond Your Barriers
Drawing an unconventional parallel, the experienced entrepreneur holds Dr. Martin Luther King up as an ultimate exponent of modeling growth. From his Alabama jail cell, the civil rights leader was inspired to envision a future beyond his immediate circumstances, composing his iconic ¨Letter from Birmingham Jail¨ during his imprisonment. While he was eventually able to rally resources to his cause, the catalyst was a decision made by a single man. Such decisions formed a concrete plan, and that plan garnered the support of a nation.
[8:21] Are We There Yet?
Human beings are hardwired to seek fulfillment, and so visualizing a successful future is a common motivational technique. However, in uncertain times, finding true fulfillment may prove difficult. Here, Teter uses the analogy of a road trip: we have to have a destination in mind before we set out on our journey. Why are we engaging in this pursuit? What is our ideal outcome? Seen from this perspective, directing our path toward success becomes a matter of understanding our vehicle, its current condition, and the conditions of travel.
[12:17] On Reading Road Maps
At best, advice can only help you get to where another person once arrived. The difficulty of the journey or even the existence of the identified destination may have changed, as times and circumstances inevitably do. Teter draws focus to this reality, reminding us to always consider how the knowledge we gain can be applied to our specific situation. Lasting change in outcome requires fundamental changes in our own lives. We are all made of our exposures and experiences, and so it is imperative to align them with our expectations.
About Russell Teter:
Website: https://synergybwi.com/russell-teter/
SBDC Website: http://www.mdsbdc.umd.edu/locations/lead-center
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russellteter
Connect with MindTeam Solutions:
Website: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/mindteamsolutions
Email: Info@MindTeamSolutions.com
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/mindteamsolutions