Leadership & Crisis

Leader is someone we look up to at all time. People say "Leaders are born". This phrase then evolved to "Leaders can be trained". Whether one is born a leader or trained, leader is the head of a community he or she is elected or appointed for. Leaders play a vital role in a nation, an organisation, a team, a family and oneself.

It is generally easier to be a leader when everything is working well. Leaders' reputation are easily built when things are going well, when firms are making profit, when systems are working efficiently, when the grass are much greener.

What happens when crisis hits?

When crisis hits, leaders are expected to act fast. Leaders are expected to come out with the right answers. That's what we all expect of them. Some may argue, it's cos they have what it takes for them to be elected or appointed as leaders in the first place. Half truth to that argument, though. Most leaders are elected or appointed based on majority and that leaves the minority (antonym to majority) who did not elect those said leaders.

From my perspective, I view crisis in 2 categories, a repeated crisis and an unprecedented crisis. A repeated crisis is chain of events or event(s) that are repetitive say every few years to decades or so. Example would be recession, financial crisis, famine, etc. Events like these are well supported by past historical data which we can see a trend or pattern; and using foresight appropriately, leaders are able to tackle to potential issue well ahead.

Unprecedented crisis is chain of events or event(s) that has never been seen or experienced before. Example would be the current Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic which has crippled not only the world activities but down to individuals which calls for huge transformation in almost everything we do. This includes how we conduct our business, how the economy could or should function, how people create their new normal routine, how education is delivered and its focus, etc. The many 'How' questions. There is no data to show trends nor pattern which foresight can be used accordingly.

Leaders can only manage.

How do leaders lead, manage & respond during crisis?

Through humility and collective collaboration.

New age leaders are encouraged to get down to the people and listen to them. Hearing them is not enough. Listen to them. Granted, leaders cannot listen to every single Tom, Dick, Harry, Jane or Janet out there. But listen to the majority.

There are times, daily events that take place show proof of the people's voices. What more in today's digital world when social media is a tool to gather information, trend, cries and voices of people. Disregarding it thinking that is fake news may not help. (Yes, admittedly there could be potential fake news but I am sure leaders can use their discretion and hindsight to determine if it is fake. *Exercise caution when emotion is involved while interpreting these information.)

Collective collaboration can do a lot of justice to handling a crisis especially if it is an unprecedented one. Observe, watch, listen to how other leaders are working through the crisis and offer help or ask for help, if need be. Let the pride down for a while. Leaders have a team, a community, a nation to look after. The willingness to open up and collaborate (whether within or externally) can help see the matter from a different perspective and sometimes may save lives of the people we lead.

Leaders don't know everything and everyone out there may know something or has something to offer of which leaders can learn from.

Humility fuel the ability to learn from others, which then allow people to help the leaders to manage the crisis in a more structured manner, leading with charisma and to respond with sincerity & compassion.

How do leaders care for the people, the team, the community?

Through kindness and compassion by exercising empathy.

Leaders are ordinary people just like you and me.

Kindness is shown or exhibited not only through our actions. It is shown through our speech. Speaking in a calm manner helps ease the people. Crisis can easily cause anxiety & fear; therefore it is imperative that leaders speak with a tone that sets people at ease.

Checking in is a good way to get an understanding the state of our people, team or community and this could also give us an indication of the mood or atmosphere.

Being empathetic and speaking with compassion can aid the people working with us to support us as we go through the crisis as a team.

Kindness and compassion will always be reciprocated. An act of kindness goes a long way.

To all leaders out there, the people need you and vice versa. Be the leader the people want to work with and support. Keep an open mind and stay safe!

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