Our country and our world have constantly and consistently experienced crisis. This isn’t the first, or the last. But there’s something unique about this pandemic that makes it, in my opinion, the first-of-its-kind type of world crisis. What can you pinpoint in world history in which the entire world was significantly impacted by the same variable both physically, emotionally and financially?
As a leader, I think it’s fair to use the, “we’re all in the same boat,” mentality as a backstop for any negative thoughts that flash through your mind about failure. If you are not thriving right now, you are not alone. We’re all feeling a little less confident about ourselves as leaders, and in a way, that’s good. I can say with certainty that the extra dose of humility has made me a better leader; both now, and into the future. But self-deprecation can be overdone, and if you are not careful, it will dissipate your ability to effectively lead your organization and your teams through this crisis.
Here are some do’s and don’ts for leading your team through a crisis.
Do Not:
Don’t let your team see the emotional roller coaster you may be experiencing internally. Consistency is one of the most important leadership qualities. This is not the time to put too much pressure on your teams to perform. It’s not the time for bludgeoning. Tactical empathy to move them forward is more successful. Do not start flinging ideas against the whiteboard and chasing every idea to “find money.” or live in denial and delusion. We’re in a storm, and you need to respond with shrewd decision making.
Do:
Instead, you should identify expenses you can remove from your bottom line. Focus on your core competencies and limit the number of things you are pursuing. This will allow you to strategically pivot. What are your competencies and relationships and how can you leverage them toward a new business model?
Be transparent. To lead, your team doesn’t need motivation and fluff. They need reality and resiliency. Be honest about where you are and what they need to do. Shrink you forecast; instead of looking ahead 30-60-90 days, spend more time looking at tomorrow and this week. Have a short memory because bad days are going to happen. Sleep it off and focus on making today productive.
If you always aspired to be a leader so you could make an impact, then this is game 7 of the World Series, you’re up to bat, the game is tied, a runner is on 3rd base with 2 outs, and a full count. The stakes have never been higher, and you’ve always dreamed of being in the spotlight with the ability to be the hero.
When we get three years down the road, candidates will show up to interview for a position with your company and they will ask, “how did you and your organization respond to the 2020 COVID 19 Crisis?” When you sit down and script out your answer to that question, what do you want the answer to be?
I hope that you found a way to weather the storm, stay focused and calm and make sound solid shrewd decisions. Live authentically and communicate with your team(s) with empathy and reality, while narrowly focusing on your core competencies and relationships to leverage and pivot your way through. This isn’t just a quest for survival, it’s a quest to arrive on the other side of the fog in a position to thrive.
You can do it. One day at a time.