When there’s an emergency, people naturally look to a leader for instructions. Because of that, it’s so important for a leader to remain calm and know what to do in a crisis. For some leaders, this is an innate skill. However, for those who aren’t born with the ability to lead under pressure, don’t worry. This is a skill you can learn. There are a few components that distinguish an effective leader from the rest in times of crisis.
- Honesty
A good leader can look at any situation with squared shoulders and be honest about it. There is nothing worse than working for a leader who is in denial about the facts. When a leader is in denial and operates out of that mindset, it only pushes the company deeper into trouble. Whether it involves admitting a wrong move or firing an employee that is bad for the company, a leader must deal with the facts, be honest, and never allow emotions to cloud their judgment. The best way to practice this is by making sure that every decision you make as a leader stems from a place of honesty and integrity. Never attempt to cut corners or cover up a mistake. As you develop this practice, it’ll become innate in times of crisis.
- Quick Response
When the company is in the middle of a crisis, time is of the essence. While a leader should never make a hasty decision, it’s important to have the gift of thinking on one’s feet. A good leader has good people around them and/or a board of advisors that can accurately suggest specific solutions when a major crisis is at hand. If there’s not enough time to sit down with a board, a leader must look at the facts, look at the consequences of each potential option, and make a final decision. The best way to develop this skill is through avoiding the temptation to take a long time to make a decision. Instead of mulling over decisions for a long time, quickly gather research to make a confident decision. As you develop this muscle, you’ll be more assured in your ability to correctly assess as a situation and make an informed decision in a quick manner.
- Focus
Take a look at any major sport, court case, or academic test. When people are distracted, the ability to focus is the one facet can be the difference between success and failure. Within business, a leader must always focus on the task at hand. Never opt for a chance to multitask. Multitasking only equates to taking longer to execute everything – try not to lose focus on the big picture. If possible, as other issues arise, delegate them to trusted advisors or leaders within the company. Work on your ability to focus by applying that to your daily activities. As you begin a project, work on sticking with it until you are finished. This will strengthen your ability to become laser-focused to get more accomplished.
There will be times when your company will face difficulties. During stressful situations, the best leaders understanding the power of these three components and are able to understand that the difficulties are only temporary.
Need more advice during a time of crisis? Contact us at DeSantis Trusted Advisors.
