Leadership in Times of Crisis A crisis within an organization can happen at any time, whether it be a new piece of legislation that turns the industry on its head, a pandemic that brings society to its knees, or something in between. Effective leadership during a crisis can significantly influence the eventual outcomes for your team and organization. It goes without saying that when faced with a crisis, normal routines are disrupted. If a company is not prepared, policy and procedures often go out the window, leading to confusion and a breakdown of communication lines. Even the best employees can become reactionary, making decisions based on what they think is best to solve the problem that is happening in front of them. Additionally, a crisis can cause a far-reaching domino effect of challenges. For example, if a supplier within a supply chain is disrupted, retailers in turn may not be able to meet customer demands, leading to poor customer satisfaction. And with today’s tech-savvy consumers, bad news can spread fast. We all know how a few poor online reviews can affect the financial bottom line. As a leader, the way you handle a crisis sets the tone for the entire team, good or bad. If you are prepared for the unexpected, it can significantly reduce any fear and anxiety that your employees might be feeling. There are real benefits to being proactive and having a “just-in-case” backup plan ready to roll out at a moment’s notice. Proactive leadership involves meticulous planning and preparation. It allows an organization, in the event of a crisis, to move from plan A to plan B and implement the necessary changes smoothly. And the good news is that you don’t have to make these plans alone. Involving the management team — and employees when appropriate — helps to foster a sense of commitment and plan ownership within your organization. By not having a crisis management plan in place, employees can and most likely will lose trust in leadership. Believe it or not, leading by influence on a day-to-day basis can help a company’s upper management prepare for a crisis. This type of leadership guides and inspires others through actions, words and ideas as opposed to solely relying on title, authority or position. It involves skills like active listening, setting a good example and building strong working relationships with the team. Attention to and development of these skills is absolutely vital. The idea that a leader will be forged in a crisis — that they will rise to the occasion with skills previously unseen — is simply unrealistic. But if you have the skills that keep you involved and show a true interest in employee well-being, and you are WVADA NEWS 14
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