The past 18 months have seen some businesses fail while others have thrived, often in the same place and vying for the same clients. The period also tested the mettle of leaders, regardless of location, industry, and role. Here are the three key traits of leaders who have proven themselves in these trying times.

1. Recognize and Appreciate Effort

To say that your team struggled during the pandemic would be an understatement. In fact, they probably continue to do so today. Amidst the noise and the confusion, every team member needs to know that their efforts mean something—not just to the bottom line, but to the people they work with.

Conveying your appreciation is not as easy over a screen as it would be in person. If you cannot talk to them in person, speak over the phone, or send a handwritten letter or a small gift. Most of your people are not looking for rewards but for someone who sees them, empathizes with their struggles, and can spare that little time it takes to make genuine connections.

2. Teamwork is Key

Just like any steel bar will fracture if it is riddled with cracks, an organization that lacks cohesion will fracture under the weight of added stress. If you did well to chart the waters during the upheaval, it is a testament to your leadership in building a resilient, unified team.

This is certainly not the time to rest on your laurels, though. The ordeal likely revealed weaknesses in communication or project handling that you either did not anticipate at all or underestimated in severity. Focus on those most critical to your operations and address them immediately.

3. Make Meetings Matter

Meetings have an unfavorable reputation for being a waste of time, effort, and resources simply because they are executed ineffectively. Don’t fall for the “meetings are bad” blanket statement. Instead, meet better. Here are five rules to follow:

  • Have a defined protocol and procedure.
  • Meet when there is an objective, not simply “every x days.”
  • Everybody comes prepared with the resources needed, disseminated in advance.
  • Have competent staff manage meeting tools such as AV equipment.
  • Flexibility is acceptable when needed.

Leadership is Purpose

No one said it was going to be easy; being at the forefront, shouldering the responsibility of an organization, its ideals, and its people is hard work. It is also exactly what you signed up for. If crisis after crisis has worn you down, take a minute and ask yourself:

  • Why did you take this role?
  • Why did you get the role ahead of all the others?
  • Have you made the impression on the world that you intended?
  • Does it still bring out your best? Can it?
  • What will be your legacy?

You have already led your team through one of the most challenging times in a generation. If you could do that, the answers to those questions will tell you what you need to do next.

Need guidance while finding the answers? I would be happy to help; contact me today to plan your leadership path.