Leaders in Crisis
I have been speaking recently to a great number of HR practitioners across all types of industries.
Something has struck me that has been a real eye-opener…
The Revelations Keep Coming
Two Camps of Leaders
In general, the leaders appear to fall into one of two camps depending on the quality of their leadership.
During the COVID crisis, some leaders have obviously been brilliant. Encouraging their teams, being supportive and genuine, leading by example, and steering their companies through difficult times, always with an eye towards the future.
The common denominator seems to be that they are very good at listening to their teams/staff before deciding on actions. These are the type every company needs more of.
And then some leaders have, quite frankly, failed during the current crisis.
Leadership During Crisis Situations
Crises are not:
- An excuse to sit back and expect everyone else to shoulder the burden. The title of leader does not automatically lend itself to a hands-off approach being effective.
- The time to behave as if on an extended holiday where you can ask others to step up to the challenges without doing so yourself.
- The time to hide behind your title and think it excuses you from mucking in and guiding others while they navigate the hurdles.
Crises are a time when a true leader needs to stand up and take front and centre stage. Often by example, leaders must lead the rest of their organisation onwards into a viable future.
Sadly, it would appear that a large number of the companies I am speaking with have found the quality of leadership to be lacking in some way.
Good Leaders See the Opportunities
I have also heard tales about leaders who just want things to return to ‘normal.’ Leaders who are not noticing the massive opportunities that have come into view (very short-sighted in my opinion).
Tales about leaders who are:
- Grumbling about working from home rather than in an office.
- Assuming that those below them are the ones that a shirking (glass houses anyone?).
- Wanting to get back to ‘business as usual’ (I shudder).
The list continues…
I suppose everything depends on whether an organisation is content to be mediocre and not demand the very best from the people they appoint as their leaders. Or whether they want to stride toward excellence.
And, the more I think of it, we general populace should consider that we have the same choices to make when it comes to whom governs us and our country.
I think a wonderful time is fast approaching to assess everyone’s individual performance, including the leaders right up to the boardroom and beyond.
A leader deserves and should command respect – provided they have shown they have earned it.
As an International Speaker and Leadership Trainer, I am passionate about helping business leaders lead with strength, dignity, and compassion, and inspire future generations. Discover more about my Leadership Programme or click the button below to book a call with me to see how I might assist you:
