Leading in a Crisis with Jim Robinson

Show Quotes

“The power of touch is so significant, that there is no way I will not shake hands. It will be up to the recipient if they choose to accept.” [00:07:45]

“We [leaders] don’t know everything, but we are still chosen to lead. It’s our calling… that doesn’t mean I don’t need to say ‘I don’t know,’ sometimes.”[00:16:03]

Leading in a Crisis

COVID-19 has rocked the world, to say the least. Many businesses have been dismantled, employees laid off, and industries changed forever. In these times of uncertainty, how can you rise to the occasion as a leader?

A simple way to break down facing an intimidating situation is with the acronym F.E.A.R. Leaders can do one of two things: Forget Everything And Run or Face Everything And Rise. Leaders who can perform with the latter of these in mind will rise to the occasion and encourage employees to do the same. This mindset allows your team to stay on track with goals and keep sight of your company’s vision in the midst of the chaos around them.

Naturally, a crisis will change how you operate on many levels. As a leader, the best things you can do to help is create healthy work habits for your team. Instead of allowing stress to consume everyone and slow down processes, keep things mellow and work towards becoming more lean in operations. What tasks may take 50 people to complete during a normal season could take 30 people instead. Ensure that your team is working at a sustainable pace and then encourage them to keep up this new method after the crisis has passed.

Lastly, consider how your business has handled these unforeseen circumstances and assess where you are in preparedness for any other potential challenges. Is your business going to be proactive or reactive? Use this situation to create a plan of action for any other crisis that may happen. And when challenges do arise, focus on combating issues with solutions that will benefit your business in the long term, as well. Living in the chaos of a moment can easily take your eyes off the goals on your horizon if you aren’t paying close enough attention.

Although the Coronavirus may permanently change how businesses operate, you can use this change to allow growth in yourself as a leader. Demonstrate that you can persevere even in the most difficult of situations. Choosing to show your human side and still rise to the challenge will solidify an image of a graceful leader within your organization.

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leadershi     pcrisis management