What “Baby Steps” Can Your Business Take to Not Just Survive — but Thrive?
We’re clearly in uncharted territory, but history shows we’ve faced challenges like this before—and come through stronger. This time may call for different strategies, but one thing’s sure: we will survive, and many of us will thrive again.
It’s natural to feel overwhelmed—either panicking and making hasty changes or paralyzing ourselves into inaction. The key is to start small. Take “Baby Steps.”
The first step? Look inward: Are you operating from fear, or are you ready to make conscious choices?
To guide you on this journey, I want to introduce two powerful concepts: The Drama Triangle and The Empowerment Dynamic (TED). Simply put, they represent Blame or Choice.
Understanding the Drama Triangle (DDT)
Developed in the 1950s, the Drama Triangle depicts three roles most of us fall into at times:
- Persecutor: Blames others or circumstances
- Victim: Feels powerless and overwhelmed
- Rescuer: Tries to fix everything for others
These roles can trap us in cycles of blame and helplessness. For example, during COVID-19, many see it as our villain (Persecutor), feel like victims, and look to leaders to rescue us. This fear can freeze us, and the economy suffers as a result.
But what if we shift our perspective? Instead of playing the roles in the Triangle, we can choose a different path.
Introducing The Empowerment Dynamic (TED)
Created by David Emerald, TED encourages us to see ourselves as Creators, Challengers, or Coaches. It’s a simple but powerful shift:
- Victim becomes Creator: Focus on what you can do
- Rescuer becomes Coach: Support others with questions, not solutions
- Persecutor becomes Challenger: Push yourself and others to take positive action
Key differences:
- Creators focus on outcomes and possibilities
- Coaches encourage and guide
- Challengers inspire constructive action
Why This Matters
We all spend some time stuck in the Drama Triangle, feeling powerless. But the more we take responsibility—by making small, intentional “Baby Steps”—the faster we can adapt to current challenges.
Not every industry is hit equally, and some may feel less ready to move forward. But I encourage you to ask yourself:
- Can my business realistically survive this? If not, is it better to act now to protect your personal assets?
- What’s my short-term vision? Can I pivot online or adapt my offerings?
- How can I preserve cash? Review budgets and aim for break-even or better as soon as possible. Deep cuts now can save your future.
- For young entrepreneurs: Do you have the experience and support to navigate these challenges? If not, seek out a trusted coach or advisor to help you challenge assumptions and create new strategies.
Taking small, purposeful steps can make a big difference. Remember: You have choices. The key is to shift from reacting in fear to proactively creating your future.