How to Lead During a Crisis
It’s hard to believe we are now several weeks into our new COVID-19-induced reality: stay at home orders, job losses, health scares, masks and gloves … it’s been one heck of a ride. Coronavirus has changed the course of life as we know it and disrupted businesses across the globe.
And if you’re a boss or a small business owner, this time may have shaken your foundation as a leader.
During times of crisis, it’s important to have effective leadership for company resilience. The good news is that there are strategies you can start applying today to right the ship or strengthen the team.
As I’ve connected with many entrepreneurs in my virtual workshops, I’ve heard your concerns about how to be a manager and leader during this time of uncertainty. Inspiring, supporting, and managing your team is a priority for so many business leaders.
Here are some simple tips that will help you be the best leader you can be.
1. Become the kind of leader you want to be.
In order to lead your team or organization, you first need to have a clear understanding of the kind of leader your organization needs at this time. Develop a vision for your organization’s future and be sure to stand by your decisions. Employees need a leader that knows what needs to be done and has the trust and confidence of her team. Who are you, at your core? Channel your inner girlboss to be a relatable leader during times of crisis.
2. Set clear expectations.
Things are confusing and continue to rapidly change hour to hour. It’s important that through effective and frequent communication, you ensure that employees know their roles and responsibilities — and their value to you. Many organizations are at a fragile point and need the attentiveness and efficiency of employees that understand exactly what is expected of them. Unclear expectations are often cited as one of the core complaints of frustrated employees, so during a time when there are so many unknowns, be a voice of certainty. Adapt for the current circumstances, but set attainable goals and lead from a place of equal parts heart and clarity.
3. Maintain structure.
In order to be resilient, leaders need to build a clear plan and adapt to it quickly. In order to maintain that structure and clear communication, your business plan and schedule should stay similar to when you were meeting in person. If you had daily or weekly check-ins, stick with it! Hop onto Google Hangouts or Zoom and enable the video component to connect and maintain a sense of normalcy. Having a good mix of flexibility for employees balancing kids at home and other responsibilities is key while holding onto the structure and routines that have made you successful. If you can offer a sense of familiarity by upholding the daily office structure pre-COVID-19, do so.
4. Be supportive and loving.
Employees want to know that they are being heard and cared for during these challenging times. Make sure that your people are reassured and taken care of to the best of your ability. In the long run, your employees will remember how they were treated during these hard times, which will influence their loyalty and drive to do better.
5. Be honest and authentic.
As the COVID-19 situation evolves, it’s even more important to communicate with a transparent voice. As a leader, you’ll want to be a source of trust and dependability for your team. One way to ensure your authenticity is to over-invest in communicating with your employees. Stick with your natural character to keep your employees calm and reassured by the familiarity. Stay credible — and don’t be afraid to repeat key messages that you want to be understood.
6. Lead from afar with intention.
Being a leader during this crisis probably means leading a remote team. That can be a challenge! While keeping all these tips in mind, also understand that working remotely calls for even greater communication and accountability. Lead with humanity. Crack a joke to lighten the mood now and again. Send memes or unexpected notes. Check in first, and ask for updates second. Continuing to maintain trust, measuring performance, and finding the most effective forms of communication are key to leading a prosperous remote team.
Stay strong and resilient. Take care of your team, but also take care of yourself. Here are five tips to help you focus on self-care while working from home and leading your team.
What other business concerns do you have? Share them with me in the comments section so I can tackle them in upcoming blog posts.
