Several years ago, all leaders in our global business landscape were talking about COVID-19. It was either impacting the business or snatching the attention of their people.

Politicians were also being challenged to respond as leaders. People were wanting answers in times of great uncertainty.

And despite the pandemic being (mostly) in the past, it revealed the business truth that not many people are ever truly comfortable with a blurred future. 

SO … as business leaders …  

Some simple TIPS:

For your People

• • Be self-aware about how you are feeling and behaving
    • Role modelling is essential – people will be watching you closely
    • Mental fitness is more important than ever
  • Be prudent and not panicky
  • Have a ‘half full’ yet realistic outlook
  • Focus on what you can actually control
  • Be ok with a ‘wait and see’ mindset
  • Have scenario planning in place and be read to adapt 
  • Communicate / engage often – with clarity 

• In doing so … be clear around:

• What you can say, what you can’t say (and why), what you don’t yet know

• The words you use!

• Too many times we hear the phrase “there’s no need to panic, yet …”

• What people actually hear … “so I’m going to need to panic soon?!”

• Be aware that people may naturally be very focused on their lives well outside of the realm of business 
  • Provide empathy where possible and appropriate

For your Business

• Ensure the right risk measures are in place
• Maintain a strong and adaptive focus on the evolving situation, your business purpose, strategic focus, priorities and required leadership
  • Be prepared to shift rapidly and engage accordingly
  • Be disciplined around stopping non-aligned activity

• Look out for any emerging business possibilities
  • Hard times often breed innovation and opportunity
• Embrace the opportunity to think more broadly
  • Learn from other organisations and industries – what are they doing?
    • Locally and globally
• Stay very close with your customers and other key stakeholders to understand their real needs 
• Show active leadership 
  • Be the leader who brings people together:
    • Help them feel connected … 
    • Help people know you are not just sitting behind your desk
    • If not possible in person, use technology
  • When other leaders may choose to bunker down – it’s more important than ever not to disconnect with the people that matter (albeit sensibly and responsibly)
• Continually seek to understand the emerging situation
  • From many and varied perspectives
  • Provide a balanced overview for others