You never know when a crisis will strike. It could be a situation that affects your company alone or it could be one that impacts billions of individuals around the world like COVID-19. When these difficult situations occur, it is important that as a leader, you keep your company thriving. Unfortunately, this is much easier said than done.
Here are five things that all awesome leaders should do when a crisis – no matter how large — strikes.
1. Delegate
You can’t keep your company afloat on your own. You need the assistance of your entire team to help your business survive through tough times. While it is important to delegate even in the best of times, it is even more important during a crisis. You will need help gathering important information to make wise business decisions. You may also need assistance making adjustments to your strategies, contacting clients and customers, and just keeping your team happy.
2. Communicate
When those challenging times occur, employees begin to feel nervous. They do not know what the future holds and this worry can affect their performance, engagement, and overall well-being. Communicate with your team and let them know what is going on. Respond to inquiries, answer questions, and discuss concerns. Do not hide out in your office but spend time mingling and talking to your employees. Simply showing your face and talking can make a big difference.
3. Handle Your Emotions
A great leader doesn’t lose control when a crisis strikes. While you may certainly feel a lot of anxiety and stress underneath the surface, your body language, tone of voice, and actions should show differently. When you can handle your emotions well, you are better able to make wise business decisions, focus on certain tasks, and lead a team.
4. Create a Positive Environment
One of the best things that a leader can do during a crisis is to create a positive environment. While there may certainly be some rocky times ahead, by remaining positive, you can better create an environment where your employees are focused, calm, and engaged. They will not dread coming to work and they will want to put forth their best effort.
However, good leaders do not pretend that nothing is wrong. They recognize the challenge they are facing and they do not hide from it.
5. Take Care of Their Team
A crisis will not just affect one or two people. Rather, it will affect an entire team. Great leaders will make the well-being of their team members a priority. They will ensure guidelines, procedures, and practices are in place to keep team members both physically and mentally safe. They will be flexible and allow for changes to policies and procedures if necessary. Remember, that when a leader takes care of his or her team, the team will return the favor.
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