Leadership: all leaders in times of crisis

Currently, for 61% of employees, negative feelings (worry, depression, anger, etc.) outweigh positive feelings. The health and economic crisis continues to have a profound impact on organizations at all levels: teleworking, partial unemployment, reduced activity, commitment, etc. In this complicated situation, embodying leadership that will be able to both reassure, motivate, but also confront reality is more important than ever at the heart of businesses. However, is it the prerogative of managers alone? At Talentis, we believe that everyone, regardless of their role within the organization, can develop leadership skills that are very useful in these troubled times. Discover below the 6 qualities of a leader in times of crisis.

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Show courage to get through the crisis

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Leadership in times of crisis is first and foremost the ability to face reality.

It is often said that children see the world as they would like it to be. Adults, on the other hand, see the world as it is. In times of crisis, everyone must act like an adult : not to be in denial of reality, not to flee in the face of difficulty, not to avoid obstacles, etc...” During a crisis, there is no point in hiding behind someone or something. In any case, we will find you! ” Bear Bryant

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Exploring the unknown to better face it.

To do this, we suggest 5 steps:

• Slow down
• Be quiet and focused
• Observer
• Advance step by step
• Be ready for any eventuality

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Adopt a lifelong learning mindset

Regardless of the position we hold within the company, we all have a role to play in the face of the crisis. And that starts with changing your mindset. Going from the “I cash in” stage, to the “I feed on events to transform them into learning” stage:

• What do I learn on a daily basis?
• What is difficult? What is easy?
• How do I contribute
• How do I adapt to changes?

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Also read: “How to manage changes in an uncertain environment? ”

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As a leader, everyone must take responsibility and be “co-responsible”

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First of all, I am 100% responsible for the success of the team. In complicated periods where uncertainty reigns, it is no longer the time to hide behind processes or within the narrow perimeter of one's own function. Second, I share my ideas and propose solutions for the collective. Gone are the days of performance in the service of individual success. Make way for the pooling of creative energies to build the successes of today and those to come. Thirdly, I don't criticize without doing anything more. On the other hand, it is very useful and encouraged to give regular feedback that serves collective improvement. Fourthly, I play the transparency game and I keep my commitments : “I do what I say and I say what I do.” Fifthly, I help my teammates and I ask for help if needed. And finally, I admit when I make mistakes and am committed to learning from them to continue to make progress.

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Showing ingenuity, one of the essential components of leadership in times of crisis

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When times are tough, It can be easy to fall into fatalism : “In any case my customers have no money left and will not buy anymore...”, “I am not lucky, this crisis is happening just when I was about to launch my business...” On the contrary! This period is the ideal time for show all your abilities to create and reinvent yourself:

• Find of new ways of doing business : for example by going from face-to-face to remote using all the tools that exist.
• Exploring previously unknown areas : a new target, a new market...
• Accepting to take risks and fail
• Be patient
• Detecting opportunities

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Supporting each other: giving and sharing

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As Henry Ford said:” Coming together is a start, staying together is progress and working together is success.” To advance far, a team cannot rely only on the brilliance of a few individuals. It is better to learn to build on each other's strengths and encourage each other :

• Recognizing successes systemically
• Say “Thank you” whenever necessary
• Highlighting efforts and progress. When times are tough and growth is slower than usual, every small step forward counts. It is therefore important to value it.

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Our 5-step method for successful feedback

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Leadership without moments of introspection does not exist!

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One of the worst enemies of a leader in times of crisis is himself, or at least, the impact of his emotions on his perception of reality. To manage them well on a daily basis, it is a good idea to start by taking an interest in how they express themselves in a crisis situation, and above all to fully understand the needs associated with them. Fear, sadness, and anger, all of these emotions are real, but the danger, loss, or frustration that comes with them Are they very real ? We invite you to ask yourself the question and to (re) watch our video on the subject to learn more. In any case, it is important to fully understand that reality is not the sole cause of our thoughts and emotions. On the other hand, our interpretation of reality has a strong impact on our thoughts and emotions.

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Managing emotions: how to make them levers for professional development?

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Managing stress and energy over time

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Emotional management, creativity, courage, these qualities that contribute to leadership, go hand in hand with good control of stress and energy over time. How to do it? En Taking care of our 4 times :

• Reflection: The time devoted to implementing the strategy, where new ideas will flourish.
• Action: The moment when you have to start moving, do things.
• Inspiration : Other people can also have ideas, and not necessarily the ones you think of first. Staying open to others is essential!
• Breathing : On a daily basis, whether you are experiencing a crisis or not, setting aside time for yourself where you can clear your mind is essential (sport, music, reading, cinema, theater, etc...)

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As you will have understood, adopting a leadership posture is an achievable objective for each member of an organization, regardless of their function. Each of the 6 points below can be worked on a daily basis, at its own level and at its own pace. Indeed, as we said above, every small step counts. If you want to go even further in this work on your leadership posture, professional coaching can be an ally of choice. Talentis coaches are there to support you, to help you take a step back from your daily challenges. Do not hesitate to contact us to find out more about our professional coaching offers. See you very soon!