5 Keys to Leading Well in Difficult Circumstances
Photo by Patrick Hendry
We’re living in unprecedented times. The situation with COVID-19 is changing multiple times per day, and Rootstock is here to support leaders as they navigate. Keep these guardrails in mind as you face each day.
1. Stay close to good, credible sources.
Unfounded panic and foolish ideas grow in the dark. Stay close to credible sources. There are experts. Depend on them. Take guidelines seriously and keep in step with them.
2. Move fast, don’t hurry.
A leader must provide direction. Acting out of panic will spook your organization. You can operate with speed and intention. But not every decision needs to be made right now. A really smart guy named David Larson pointed out to me a good frame to work called the OODA loop, which is used in the military. Observe, Orient, Decide, Act, then repeat. Entrepreneur and author Taylor Pearson explains the OODA loop well.
3. Balance real expectations with a hopeful outcome.
Your people desperately want you to tell them when things will get back to normal. You need to help them understand that the scope and scale of a crisis is outside of your control. Therefore, the time it will take to resolve an issue and the measures that need to be taken are also outside of your control. As leaders, you need to keep it real. At the same time, you must abound in hope! You can (and must!) assure your people that they will get through this and come out victorious.
4. Adapt to new information.
Things change very quickly. Make sure your people know this. Strategies need to remain fluid. You need to pivot as the game changes. Staying close to credible sources and over communication is key to scripting the critical moves in real time.
5. Demonstrate self-control.
Ultimately, in a difficult season, all you can control is yourself. Stay calm and stay active. Exert the necessary energy. Don’t be completely exhausted. This is easier said than done. Leadership isn’t easy. Leaders get paid to keep the “inside game” in check. We make dumb decision when we’re operating out of fear and exhaustion. Stay calm, take rest when you can, keep leading.