CRISIS MANAGEMENT
Leading Out of Crisis Times Like These Will Test You — and Here Are 5 Ways to Ensure You Pass
By Bill “Roto” Reuter
I
n times like these, it’s especially important to remember that leadership is a servant activity. We gave up the right to think of ourselves first when we stepped into leadership. It’s our responsibility as leaders to reduce the anxiety and uncertainty that can take hold during any crisis, but especially one as far-reaching as the COVID-19 pandemic. Even when we as leaders don’t have all the answers, sharing what we do know can be valuable to our team. Here are some points to keep in mind:
A GENUINE LEADER IS NOT A SEARCHER FOR CONSENSUS BUT A MOLDER OF CONSENSUS — Martin Luther King Jr.
1
Connect with your people on a regular basis.
Ongoing communication is key, whether your team is operating remotely or in your normal workplace. Listen to the concerns of your team members, and let them know you don’t have all the answers. It is important to be optimistic but with an authenticity that reflects the nature of these times. This gives you the opportunity to inspire hope.
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2
Trust your team members and understand their capabilities.
Communicating your trust in them and their insights unleashes their creativity. It’s important to listen to their ideas because it not only builds their confidence, it also helps your organization develop strategies for the next 2.0 for your organization. Ask for their input in a group setting because everyone will see the different perspectives. You will see people stepping up in the “new normal,” and you will develop unity in your culture. Celebrate that and be quick to applaud those efforts.
