When the Going Gets Tough – Bring a Unicorn
People used to say, “The only constant is change” as a kind of business insight. Now? It’s more like a line in the job description.
Expectations shift. Strategies pivot. Whole sectors reinvent themselves overnight.
If you’re running a business or leading a team, you probably don’t need another report on what’s hard. You already know.
What you do need is something you can lean on — not a motivational quote, but a way of working that helps people think clearly, show up well, and stay in the game, even when the ground’s moving.
That’s where Positive Psychology comes in
It’s the science of what helps people perform well — not just in theory, but in everyday life and work. It asks questions like:
– What helps people stay focused under pressure?
– What motivates them?
– What kind of leadership actually helps people do their best, especially in uncertain times?
It shifts the conversation away from stress management and towards something more useful: What enables people to think clearly, work well together, and bring their best — even when circumstances aren’t ideal?
If you want a quick, entertaining take on what this looks like in practice, I recommend Shawn Achor’s TED Talk. It’s funny, fast, and unexpectedly insightful (and yes – it even features how a unicorn can save the day when you’re in a sticky situation).
And it works.
When people know and use their character strengths – not just fill a job description – something shifts. Teams that experience genuine connection, shared purpose, and even moments of lightness perform up to 31% better, and handle pressure more effectively.
That’s not just good for morale. That’s good for delivery, retention, and outcomes that matter.
And the shift doesn’t require a complete overhaul
It often starts small:
– how feedback is given,
– how meetings are run,
– how people are treated when things go wrong,
– how contribution is noticed – or missed.
I’ve pulled together a simple guide – Four Steps to Big Change – which lays out the core ideas and how to use them. You’re welcome to explore it, share it with your team, or just see what lands.
In a working world where uncertainty is the default setting, this kind of thinking helps people stay sharp, connected, and able to contribute at their best – even when the pressure’s on.
If you’re curious about how this could work in your organisation – practically, not theoretically – I’d love to talk.
A final piece of advice:
When things get tough, remember your strengths – and always be yourself.
Unless you can be a unicorn. Then always be a unicorn.
