We are being called to lead.
Whether in our companies, communities or families, the opportunities are there for us to respond to these unusual and challenging times. For some time now, we have experienced a more VUCA world – volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous – and the pandemic in which we now collectively find ourselves is an extreme example of that.
During this time, what we DO, is just as important as who we will BE. Both individually and collectively, we must find our way through this troubling situation to the other side. To find the perspectives and actions that are important to you, we recommend reflecting upon these 5 questions.
1. What will help me to stay grounded as I navigate this?
To lead others, we start with leading self. Recognition of the practices that restore your energy or keep your mind clear and acting on these practices will safeguard your effectiveness and fuel your contribution. Examples of restorative practices that may be helpful are:
- Making time for exercise or taking a daily walk
- Healthy eating and getting enough rest
- Staying connected to friends and family
- Talking things through with a trusted friend, mentor or coach
- Time for reflection, journaling or writing
It’s important to know what works for you and to be sure to integrate these into your day. It’s tempting when workloads are heavy and timelines are tight to put such things aside however this is when restoration is most needed.
2. How is my response in these circumstances aligned with my values?
Behaviours and decisions are values in action. What is important to you and how is this being reflected in the way in which you are currently working? Organizations that truly value their team members are demonstrating this value in their actions by:
- Communicating frequently, if not daily. Even in in the absence of new news, updates and helpful information are being provided
- Frequently checking in on team members who are working remotely and putting practices in place to help people stay connected in a virtual environment.
- Supporting a team member who is unwell or anxious; expressing empathy and listening.
- Doing everything possible to mitigate job loss.
3. What is needed right now to support others whom I serve?
Consider what matters most to others on your team right now and if you’re not sure, find out. Ask questions such as:
- What are you most worried about right now?
- What are you finding the most challenging right now?
- What would mean the most to you right now?
- How do we best stay connected?
For example, if a team member is working from home and has small children who are also at home, that person may be stressed about their work performance. In this circumstance, demonstrate patience and relax the typical performance standards.
4. What decisions are most important to make right now?
The types of decisions that leaders have to make will vary but these considerations can help:
- What input do I need to make the best decision and from whom?
- How will this decision impact the trust of stakeholders?
- What are the long run implications of this decision?
- How does this decision reflect our values?
- What might I be missing?
5. When I look back at this time, how would I like to describe my leadership?
In Steven R. Covey’s best seller, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, he describes Habit #2 as Begin With The End in Mind. Picture your end state and consider what matters most to you. Use this as your guide each day. Your team will remember how you led throughout this crisis. What would you like them to say about how you responded? What would you like to say? This is a defining leadership moment.
Our world is beautiful and our world is difficult, all at the same time. Our individual and collective ability to face obstacles, deal with adversity and support one another will help us to emerge from this crisis, stronger and wiser than we were before.
