Your Job is to Survive and Advance
You are likely on the frontlines supporting important campaigns for change. In fact, you are doing so amid unprecedented backlash against civil society. Perhaps you’re navigating a host of personal and professional ups and downs. While you may enjoy periodic wins, you may also ponder ‘where we go from here?’
Survive and Advance
If you or the people you love are navigating sleepless nights, I want to offer one recommendation: ‘survive and advance.’ Popularized by Jim Valvano, former NC State Wolfpack coach, the term is applicable today. In 1983, the team stayed alive in the postseason by winning nine win or be ejected games in a row — most of which they were losing until the very end. Their goal was simply to make it to the next round.
Incremental Gains Count Too
In the context of our work, to survive and advance is to focus on making it to the next month, the next quarter and the next year. It is to make incremental gains and position ourselves for future growth.
Surviving and advancing could look like turning inwards and focusing on your base. It could look like maintaining a lower profile. Whatever it is, the key is to focus on the main thing, understanding that if you do that well, you will ultimately be positioned to win.
This is a Season
From my Christian faith, I am clear that there is a time and season for all things. There is a time to plant, a time to uproot; a time to mourn, and a time to celebrate. While winter is on the horizon, we know that spring will surely come. We can remind ourselves that if our ancestors survived, we will too.
If you need help navigating this moment, I invite you to book a consultation right away. I want to be a thought partner with you, holding what we discuss in the strictest confidence. My goal is simply to support you in moving from this season to the next. In the interim, remember that your job is to “survive and advance.”
Jennifer R. Farmer, aka The PR Whisperer,® is the principal of Spotlight PR LLC. Be sure to check out other blogs and subscribe for regular communications updates