Embracing the Law of Reversed Effort: A Crisis Management Lesson

Introduction
 
Last week, our team faced an unexpected crisis. In situations like these, leadership and quick decision-making are crucial. Although I wasn’t the designated team leader, I assumed the role due to my seniority and experience. Here’s how we navigated the challenge and the invaluable lesson we learned from it.
 
The Crisis Unfolds
 
We were hired as consultants for a highly significant project, with my role primarily advisory. For the past six months, we gathered inputs and feedback from various stakeholders to identify issues and challenges and propose recommendations and strategies to the client. Additionally, we were tasked with preparing resolutions for presentation to the Prime Minister. The project was demanding, and our client’s shifting requirements added complexity.
 
The Unexpected Hurdle
 
Despite our thorough work, the resolutions – revised and approved by our client’s corporate team – were unexpectedly rejected by the top management. This setback occurred just a day before the scheduled presentation. We were called into an emergency meeting to address the situation.
 
The Tense Meeting
 
We began the meeting at 8:30 PM, with tension palpable as conflicting opinions were exchanged. The situation worsened as the client appeared to shift the burden onto us, avoiding responsibility. As time passed, it became clear that we were not making progress. The clock was ticking, and stress levels were rising. After nearly two hours of unproductive debate, I decided to step in.
 
Taking Control
 
It was time to transition from discussing opinions to actionable suggestions. I summarised the key points from the discussion, and we agreed on eight critical recommendations. The atmosphere remained tense, and the gravity of the situation weighed heavily on us, the consultants. To help ease the pressure, we asked the President to kindly stay with us through the process, as he would be presenting the next day.
 
Easing the Tension
 
Recognising that high tension was counterproductive, I encouraged everyone to relax. We started sharing jokes – many light-hearted and silly. The mood shifted, and laughter replaced anxiety. This change in atmosphere helped us focus and work more effectively. By 12:30 AM, we had finalised the resolutions. Ironically, many of the points were our original recommendations, which had been altered by the client.
 
The Successful Outcome
 
The next day, the presentation went smoothly. The top management was satisfied, and the Prime Minister responded positively. Our efforts had paid off, and the task was successfully completed. I am super proud of my team. 
 
Conclusion: The Lesson Learned
 
Reflecting on the experience, I realised we had unwittingly applied the law of reversed effort. This principle suggests that by letting go of intense effort and relaxing, we can often achieve better results. In our case, easing the tension allowed us to think more clearly and work more efficiently. It was a powerful reminder that sometimes, the best way to overcome a crisis is to remain calm and create a positive atmosphere.
 
As I waited at the airport, scrolling through LinkedIn, I came across an article about the law of reversed effort. It perfectly resonated with our experience. By not forcing the process and instead fostering a relaxed environment, we enabled creativity and effective problem-solving to flourish. This lesson is one I will carry forward, especially in high-pressure situations.