Five Things You Need To Be A Highly Effective Leader During Turbulent Times

“We are facing turbulent challenges.”
“Navigating turbulent waters.”
“There might be some turbulent times ahead.”
“These are turbulent times.”

Every business leader will tell you to expect the unexpected when building, launching, joining, or expanding a company. While economic and political trends can be forecasted and safeguarded against, what happens when the unexpected manifests as a turbulent circumstance that threatens to drown you? In a media landscape flooded with “turbulent” terminology, the real meaning can become lost in translation, leaving leaders unsure of a clear direction ahead. Throughout my career in the life sciences industry, I faced three distinct moments when turbulence felt like an understatement.

The first was during the 2012 global recession when I made the decision to leave my steady job and start a new company. The second came as I navigated through that recession, experiencing growth and hiring new talent, only to find myself battling my own turbulence—hospitalized repeatedly due to an AFib diagnosis. The third moment arrived on the cusp of selling my company to secure the future of my family and my employees, only to see the world come to a standstill during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In each instance, I was either weathering the storm surrounding us or grappling with the tempest within. I learned that effective leadership sometimes requires a steady hand at the helm and, at other times, the wisdom to delegate and step back, letting others take the wheel.

From these experiences, I’ve identified five essential strategies that every leader needs during turbulent times. After all, they don’t call it “captain” of industry for nothing.

1. Embrace the Chaos
   “Turbulent times” can be uncomfortable and disorienting, presenting challenges that test our leadership skills. Instead of trying to control every wave, it’s important to embrace the chaos and remain adaptable. This means being open to new ideas and perspectives, even if they seem unconventional. Encourage your team to engage in brainstorming sessions, innovate, and find creative solutions to the challenges at hand. Often, the most effective ideas emerge from the most unexpected sources. Rather than viewing the turbulence as an interference, reframe it with open arms for new opportunities.
2. Prioritize Clear Communication
   During turbulent times, effective communication is your lifeline. It’s essential to keep everyone informed, sharing not only the positive developments but also the more challenging updates. Transparency fosters trust, and trust is the foundation that holds your team together when the going gets rough. Conduct regular check-ins to facilitate open dialogue, and don’t hesitate to show vulnerability. Let your team know that you are navigating these choppy waters together. Acknowledging the challenges you face can significantly strengthen your team’s cohesion and morale.
3. Cultivate Resilience
   Building a resilient team is crucial during turbulent periods. Foster a growth mindset by reframing challenges as opportunities for learning and development. Share your own experiences of overcoming obstacles to inspire your team to persevere and push through adversity. By actively promoting resilience, you empower your team with the skills and mindset needed to recover from setbacks and sustain momentum in their work. This not only enhances their ability to navigate difficulties but also cultivates a culture of determination and adaptability.
4. Lead with Empathy
   In turbulent times, emotions can run high, and individuals may feel stressed, anxious, or even irritable. As a leader, you must serve as the emotional anchor for your team. Demonstrate empathy by actively listening to their concerns and validating their feelings. Whether through a virtual coffee chat or a simple acknowledgment of their challenges, showing kindness can make a significant impact. Remember, you’re not merely managing a team; you’re leading a group of individuals who deserve compassion and understanding, especially when the world feels like it’s unraveling.
5. Celebrate the Small Wins
   Amidst the chaos, it’s essential to celebrate every victory, no matter how small. Did an email into the void finally receive a response? Did a project meet a deadline against all odds? Celebrating small wins not only boosts morale but also reinforces the message that progress is being made, even when the larger challenges seem overwhelming or the future is unclear. These moments of recognition create opportunities for connection, whether through a virtual happy hour or an impromptu team gathering.

The truth is, we are right now in the midst of one of those turbulent times. It’s crucial for leaders to cut through the noise and identify what truly matters. By embracing clarity and purpose, they can navigate through uncertainty with confidence. Recognizing that turbulence is not just a challenge, but also an opportunity for growth, effective leaders can foster resilience within their teams. Ultimately, those who adapt, listen, and empower others will not only survive turbulent times but will emerge stronger, driving their organizations toward a brighter future.

Written by Jim Kaveney.
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