info@ceoworld.biz
Friday, March 29, 2024
CEOWORLD magazine - Latest - Lifestyle and Travel - 5 Qualities Leaders Need To Demonstrate in Times of Crisis

Lifestyle and Travel

5 Qualities Leaders Need To Demonstrate in Times of Crisis

One of the things that many people struggle with in their pursuit of leadership is that leadership is situational. Something that works in one situation may not work in another, for example, democratic leadership. This is a style where you look to involve as many people as possible in the decision-making process to help drive engagement and commitment. Still, in times of emergency, it’s too slow and cumbersome and doesn’t allow for the right level of urgency. As leaders, we need to be able to adapt our styles, and we need to assess the situation and project the correct type of leadership to maximize our impact.

One of the toughest times to be a leader is during a crisis, and here are five qualities that you need to show to help your people through the challenge.

  1. Understanding
    This one is critical. You not only need to show a deep understanding of the problem but also of how it is impacting the people so that you know how they are feeling. The better you understand them and their concerns, the easier it will be to communicate in a way that will help them. As Stephen Covey says, ‘first seek to understand then to be understood.’ The more understanding you have, the more empathy and compassion you can show.
  2. Calm
    In times of crisis, the worst thing that can happen is that people panic, because panic can turn a bad situation into a full-blown catastrophe. You need to keep calm, keep them in solution mode, and the best way to do that is to present calmness yourself.
    It can be difficult, especially when things are really tough, but you have to demonstrate that inner resolve, you have to show that Churchillian backbone, and present an air of calm.
  3. Confidence
    People need to believe that they will get through this and that they have chosen the right leader to guide them on this challenging journey. To give them confidence, you have to project confidence, and you have to show that you believe that success will be the outcome.
    You have to show that you have faith in the experts and people around you that are on the front line.
    Be wary of being over-confident as this can have the opposite effect and lead to a drop in their confidence in you.
  4. Honesty
    Don’t sugar coat things. Be as open and honest as you can be.
    That doesn’t mean that everything needs to be shared, but it does mean that we shouldn’t deny what people can clearly see.
    If you don’t know, tell people that or say that things are still being evaluated.
    Do not fabricate information or deliberately mislead people.
    People’s imaginations are often much worse than the reality, and sharing the truth can often be a blessing and help people better prepare for a long struggle.
  5. Direction
    In times of crisis, it is imperative that people are given clear direction, as ambiguity and crisis can be a fatal mix.
    Let them know what they need to do. Be clear, be concise, and be consistent. Remember, people don’t just listen to what you say; they also watch what you do, so you need to make sure that your words and actions are consistent.
    Anxiety is a combination of uncertainty and powerlessness, and by giving people direction, you potentially allow them to take action, which will help reduce it.

Leading in a time of crisis is one of a leader’s most significant challenges. If you can demonstrate understanding, calm, confidence, honesty, and direction, it will help you to help your teams, your organization, and your people come through successfully.


Written by Gordon Tredgold. Have you read?

# Best countries in the world for a child to be born in, 2020
# Best Fashion Schools In The World For 2020
# Best Hospitality And Hotel Management Schools In The World For 2020
# World’s Best Cities For Expats, 2020


Add CEOWORLD magazine to your Google News feed.
Follow CEOWORLD magazine headlines on: Google News, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

This report/news/ranking/statistics has been prepared only for general guidance on matters of interest and does not constitute professional advice. You should not act upon the information contained in this publication without obtaining specific professional advice. No representation or warranty (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this publication, and, to the extent permitted by law, CEOWORLD magazine does not accept or assume any liability, responsibility or duty of care for any consequences of you or anyone else acting, or refraining to act, in reliance on the information contained in this publication or for any decision based on it.


Copyright 2024 The CEOWORLD magazine. All rights reserved. This material (and any extract from it) must not be copied, redistributed or placed on any website, without CEOWORLD magazine' prior written consent. For media queries, please contact: info@ceoworld.biz
SUBSCRIBE NEWSLETTER
CEOWORLD magazine - Latest - Lifestyle and Travel - 5 Qualities Leaders Need To Demonstrate in Times of Crisis
Gordon Tredgold
Gordon Tredgold is a business and IT transformation expert who has successfully delivered $100 million programs, run $300 million departments, and led 1,000-staff teams for Fortune 100 companies. Now, he coaches businesses and executives. He‘s also an international speaker and published author. His mission is to help people become better leaders who deliver amazing results. Gordon Tredgold is an opinion columnist for the CEOWORLD magazine. Follow him on Twitter or connect on LinkedIn.