Bad situations in life needs good leadership. For some leaders a crisis will put them on the top. For some leaders, a crisis will topple them.
Here are 7 Leadership Practices in Times of Crisis
Stand Up and Be Seen
During a crisis leaders serve as a repository of people’s fears and they absorb their uncertainties. A crisis is not the time to lock yourself in a Board Room and engage strategy sessions. You need to be seen by the people.
Embrace Brutal Optimism
“Churchill paradox.” On the one hand was the Prime Minister’s
grim promise of “blood, toil, tears, and sweat” in the near term.
On the other was his upbeat certainty that England would prevail
“however long and hard the road may be.”
Stick To The Facts
A leaders is a symbol as a matter of fact not by choice. John Gardner stated once that if your actions undermine your words, you will create problems that no amount of jawboning can fix. Be slow to speak but always speak accurately!
Tell A Story In A Statement
Consider these Presidential statements:•”I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts.” Abraham Lincoln•”In a time of domestic crisis, men of goodwill and generosity should be able to unite regardless of party or politics.” John F. Kennedy•”The most fortunate of us all in our journey through life frequently meet with calamities and misfortunes which greatly afflict us. To fortify our minds against the attacks of these calamities and misfortunes should be one of the principal studies and endeavors of our lives.” Thomas Jefferson
Bottom Line Comes Second
We shouldn’t have to tell you what comes first. The most important
thing is to have people know that they’re secure and cared about – that
they’re not just cogs (Dee Soder). Because many workers feel a company reveals its true colors during a crisis, companies that come off as insensitive, or grudging, run the risk of alienating employees permanently.
Link The Ordinary To The Extraordinary
When a Crisis occurs, Leaders must Stabilize, Organize and Mobilize.
Do Not Overreach
So you’ve done everything right, you’ve earned your leadership merit
badge, and now your people are giving you a standing ovation. Next piece
of advice: They’re not really cheering for you. They’re cheering for
themselves – and for the group’s ability to unite and persevere under
threat. Lose sight of that, and you violate the delicate compact between
leaders and led.
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