Leading in Times of Crisis- Patricia Golden Webb
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in the moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
Times of crisis or disaster can make or break a leader. COVID-19 has been the epitome of a time when leaders needed to rise to the challenge. Leaders had to keep their communities, employees, and students informed, pause and restart daily life, and manage the secondary effects of social and economic disruption. I recently read an article published in Forbes magazine, titled Leading In Times Of Crisis by Joyce E. A. Russell. The article explores how leaders should act and react not only to the pandemic but to all the other issues being faced around the globe as well - like systematic racism.
“Could it get any more challenging right now? Not only are we in the midst of a pandemic with tremendous uncertainty about health and safety issues for employees, but we are also dealing with major concerns over systemic racism in our society. And things keep changing on a daily basis. For employees, it is critical that they have leaders who display the right behaviors and characteristics during a crisis.
There’s no question that leaders are under the microscope now more than ever during these crisis situations. Thus, leaders need to make the right types of decisions and display the right behaviors.”
The article then went on to highlight the most critical leadership behaviors and characteristics needed during times of crisis:
- Humility
- Empathy
- Transparent Communication
- Act Decisively
- Plan for the Future
- Continue to build morale and reinforce employees
- Help employees find meaning
- Demonstrate and value adaptability
- Celebrate all victories, whether small or large
- Lead from the front
You can read the original article here.
