Being a leader means taking on a lot of responsibility. In times of crisis, this responsibility takes on dimensions that are unbearable for many people.
It is easy to lose sight of the most important things and to feel overwhelmed when the usual processes and units of success become inapplicable. Even in these circumstances, however, one can be an effective leader. People now have a greater need for good leaders than ever before. If you are paralyzed by stress and do not know how to approach the situation, focus your attention on the things your employees want from you during a crisis.
Determination and purpose
In difficult times, leaders are required to be focused and determined in taking measures to ensure the company’s survival in times of crisis and give it a chance to emerge stronger from the difficult situation. Now is the time for bold and quick decisions.
Strong team
The best leaders know that they are only as knowledgeable and capable as the people they have surrounded themselves with. For this reason, they are making great efforts to build a “dream team” in which cooperation and support prevail. They need to have people with different abilities and knowledge to compensate each other for their weaknesses. If you do not have such a team, start building it as soon as possible.
Clearly defined priorities
As a leader, you are responsible for identifying the priorities of your organization and your team with the help of all participants in the work process. Build consensus on important issues and leave room for “route adjustments” to take. Once you have defined your priorities, you need to make sure that everyone is aware of them and that they know what role they play in their implementation.
Effective communication
Great leaders know the importance of effective communication and transparency in communication in times of crisis. In these difficult times, all employees must have access to the information on which the company’s survival and future depend. This is not a time when you can afford to keep your people in the dark, because ambiguities and false rumors can be fatal to your organization.
Flexibility
The best leaders are those who anticipate problems by constantly changing their approach to work depending on the specific environment and conditions. Actions that have been successful in the past may no longer benefit them. Therefore, they focus on creating new action plans to help themselves and their employees adapt to the specifics of the new work reality.
Frequent contacts
If you usually talk to your employees once a month, start arranging weekly meetings. If you contact them once a week, start doing it every day. The stronger and more sustainable your relationship with your employees, the more cohesive and effective your team will be. Strong relationships lead to good results.
Focus on the future
The best leaders know that the past remains the same and cannot be changed. Therefore, their eyes remain on the future. The future they work for every day and hope for will be better.
