The world is currently going through its most trying time in decades as a result of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, and the level of uncertainty is at an all time high. For many of us it feels like the earth has literally stopped spinning and we’re not sure where to go next. We know that decisions still need to be made and life must go on, so a lot of us are looking to our leaders (business, political, spiritual, etc.) for answers and direction.
But what if YOU are the leader that is expected to have the answers and make decisions? How do you effectively guide and reassure those who look up to you through this crisis?
Here are 5 ways that you can lead through this crisis
1. Be calm
One of the great characteristics of a good leader is being calm under pressure. Being calm, rather than impulsive or anxious, is more likely to inspire trust from those around you. They can trust that you won’t lose your cool or get angry while trying to figure out a way through the crisis. Being calm doesn’t mean that you’re not afraid or that you have all the answers. It means that you are more in control of your emotions which allows you to create space in your brain to focus on problems at hand, consider options clearly, and listen more attentively to the people around you.
It also allows you to reduce your own personal stress levels. This is important because stress can be contagious. If you start “freaking out” some people around you are more likely to do the same.
There are a few things you can do to improve your ability to stay calm
- Practice deep breathing. This can help reduce anxiety and lower stress levels in your brain.
- Avoid making impulse decisions. Think through your approach before deciding on a course of action.
- Ask for help. You don’t have to handle situations alone.
2. Listen attentively and demonstrate empathy
During a crisis, people will have many questions for you as a leader. It’s critical that you listen attentively and show concern without getting frustrated or upset. There are no stupid questions. Everyone around you will be experiencing and dealing with the crisis in their own way. Emotions will be much higher and consequently the capacity for logic is lower. In this situation it’s important for you as a leader to show empathy as you actively listen to those around you. This means validating the other person’s concerns, expressing understanding, and using words of comfort.
Some good tactics for active listening include:
- Let everyone speak and feel heard.
- Avoid interrupting or completing sentences.
- Resist the urge to always say something.
- Ask follow up questions.
- Clarify and paraphrase your understanding.
Once the emotional need is met, it’s easier for you to engage in more rational conversations and problem-solving.
3. Be vulnerable
It’s easy to feel that you have to be the man/woman of steel during a crisis because the situation requires it. However, you are human too with your own set of emotions and feelings. As a leader, it’s crucial to be vulnerable enough to communicate some of those feelings to those around you. Being vulnerable doesn’t mean you walk around crying, it means that you can let go of the ego and armour and share your feelings and experiences about a situation in a way that’s relatable to the individual(s).
“The hardest thing about being a leader is demonstrating or showing vulnerability… When the leader demonstrates vulnerability and sensibility and brings people together, the team wins.”
Howard Shultz, CEO of Starbucks,
A vulnerable leader doesn’t have all the answers but is transparent enough to seek help and advice from those around.
4. Be visible and decisive
In a crisis, the worst type of leader is one that is absent. The next worst type is a leader that is indecisive. During a crisis, people expect you to take action as required. This means you have to actually show up. You can’t abandon ship. You can be visible through regular communication updates about the situation. As I mentioned in the points above, you don’t have to have all the answers. However, communicating what steps you and your team are taking can help settle nerves.
Governor Andrew Cuomo (New York State) has seen his popularity ratings soar greatly because of his visibility through his daily news conferences in which he projects a steady tone mixed with empathy and personal stories.
With all the information you receive, assess and reassess during a crisis, you will have to make a decision or two at some point. Once you are ready to make a decision based on the best information you have, you must do so with resolve and visibility. This will go a long way in building confidence in you and your abilities. Your decisions may not fully work out as intended, but at the very least you took action.
5. Take care of yourself
As a leader you are also going through the crisis yourself. You have to remember to take care of yourself during this period. You will be physically, mentally, and emotionally tasked in ways you may never have experienced before. It’s therefore vital that you do all you can to stay whole and not neglect yourself.
Some things you can do to take care of yourself are:
- Take power naps and get some good sleep at night.
- Do some exercise.
- Take a long shower.
- Don’t forget to eat. Healthy food is best.
- Reach out to loved ones.
- Delegate as many tasks as possible. You can’t do everything.
- Talk to other leaders. They know what you’re going through.
- Find alone time in your day to gather your thoughts or meditate — whatever works for you.
The COVID-19 pandemic is going to test you as a leader no matter your industry, company or level. Even if the only people you are leading are your children, the points above will certainly help you navigate the uncertainty and challenges brought on by this pandemic.
