8 ways to be a brilliant leader in a post-pandemic world

Whether we lead an organisation, a team, a project or a specific activity, lockdown has thrown us a fair few curveballs. With so many of our ways to communicate, connect and collaborate seemingly turned upside down, there’s been a lot of talk during the pandemic about the need for a total re-think on how we lead.

However, when we look at the leaders (in all walks of life) who have done a brilliant job throughout the last 12 months or so, from where I’m standing their leadership approach hasn't had to change at all. Granted, it might have been delivered slightly differently but it’s remained entirely focused on the age-old principles of leading others that have never actually changed (and probably never will).

A TIMELESS RECIPE FOR LEADING OTHERS

In all of the work we do to support successful people to become brilliant leaders, we focus on eight key ingredients which, together, form a timeless recipe for leading others.

So what are the eight ingredients?

ONE - YOU - uniquely you on your A-Game

Any leader can only be a brilliant leader when they understand who they are and how that determines the way they lead. As a leader, what are your superpowers (AKA big strengths)?

What are your values and beliefs? Where are you vulnerable and where do you need help? This is the ONLY starting point on any leadership journey and results in authentic leaders who are valued, respected and loved.

TWO - HUMAN - human connection trumps all

The pandemic has led to the biggest blend of personal and professional in history - so many of us have literally taken our work into our front rooms, opening up visibility of so much more of our lives and families than ever before.

The immediate move to normalise and embrace this from Jacinda Arden on the eve of the first lockdown decision in New Zealand role modelled a human approach superbly - watch it here. Human leaders prevail.

THREE - FELT - feeling first and foremost

‘People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’ (Maya Angelou).

Even the toughest conversations can leave people feeling valued, respected and heard. Leaders who openly share how they feel and demonstrate compassion leave an aura of good feeling. Check out a brilliant pandemic example of this from the Marriott International CEO, Arne Sorenson here.

FOUR - TUNED - we learn nothing when we’re talking

Leaders who listen, deeply, are lifelong learners and get things right, so much faster, with the support of the people they serve.

One CEO we support set up company tribes the minute the pandemic hit for homeschoolers, live-aloners, parents of young adults, gym missers - and more. It resulted in immediate support networks and a way for her to hear the needs and challenges of her people firsthand. Brilliant leaders tune in.

FIVE - CHAMELEON - don’t just be one colour and always mix it up

Leaders need to connect with both the left and right-brain, the visual, audio and written learners, the introverts and extraverts, the ‘thinkers’ and the ‘feelers’. If you’re a leader, it’s essential that you mix up how you communicate across a variety of platforms (even those where you feel less comfortable). There’s no one size fits all, even in a pandemic. Creating communication that has different colours and is accessible to all is also vital.

SIX - RESPONSIVE - everyone has a plan until...

‘Everyone has a plan until you get punched in the face.’ (Mike Tyson).

Being responsive as a leader is about more than having a plan B, C and D. It’s about responding to the human being, the emotion, the question in front of you.

The leaders who are there, visible, available always and who say, ‘right now, I don’t know, but I’m fighting with every fibre of my being to work it out’ have triumphed through the pandemic (and always will).

SEVEN - CURIOUS - beyond the seen and heard

The definition of curiosity is to be eager to know or learn something. When we demonstrate curiosity with our teams, colleagues or customers - it feels great for them and it unlocks insight we would never get to otherwise.

We suggest leaders ask at least two totally open questions at the start of every conversation, one to one or with the team. Even in the midst of challenge, make space for curiosity.

EIGHT - FUN - Jestology™ in all times

Leaders who laugh and help others to laugh create a culture of openness, learning and fun. Fun is so much more than jokes, it’s activating the power of storysharing, connecting through celebration, laughing through shared experience. We call it Jestology™ and it’s an essential ingredient in the leadership mix, in good times and in times of challenge.

Whether we’re in a pandemic, an economic crisis or a market boom, when these eight ingredients work hand in hand, the magic happens all round. Leaders feel confident and informed, teams feel valued and empowered and organisations flourish and fly.

Jester Consulting’s website is having a facelift ahead of some exciting news next month so get in touch with the team to find out more: hello@jester-consulting.com.