4 Ways To Master The One Thing The Best Leaders Do In Challenging Times

When times are challenging, leaders typically revert to one of two approaches:

1. Keep their heads down and grind, letting their work speak for itself.
2. Make a grand gesture or inspiring speech to rally the troops.

While hard work and encouragement are essential ingredients for success, relying solely on one rarely works in the long term.

Instead, the best leaders do something different: they consistently show up—for their teams, customers, and peers—in a genuine, positive, and observable way. Here are four ways how:

1. They’re visible and vocal in sharing their wisdom

Wisdom is the ability to think and act using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, and insight. But it transforms into something truly powerful when it is shared; all the wisdom in the world is meaningless without application.

Yet many leaders eschew this and choose instead to hoard their insights, fearful of giving them away. They don’t understand a simple truth: sharing your wisdom doesn’t diminish your impact; it amplifies it.

As a leader, you’re in a unique position of influence; you have many audiences watching and listening to your words and actions. As a result, you can visibly and vocally share your core beliefs, ideas, and insights through your social media posts, your company’s values statement, workplace communications, and how you tell your own story. Doing so draws others to you and helps them understand what you stand for and what matters most.

2. They practice empathy, compassion, and patience

We’re living and working in volatile times. Between a seemingly never-ending global pandemic, crazy macroeconomic trends, and prolonged uncertainty, tensions are understandably high, and productivity and tolerance are down.

As a leader, the best approach is to acknowledge the ‘ick’ factor through empathy, compassion, and patience. Despite appearances, people may be struggling, so make it a habit to check in with your clients and colleagues. Ask questions to understand what they’re working on or dealing with, and let them know that you’re here for them in this trying environment.

And when they find the courage to confide in you? Acknowledge their bravery. Give them your undivided attention. Listen to their concerns, trying not to formulate a response but to understand. And then, take action to see what you or someone you know can do to assist them.

People feel more connected when they feel seen and heard, enhancing communication and building trust.

3. They’re (imperfectly) human

Yes, you’re a business leader, but that doesn’t mean you’re infallible or have everything figured out. In a society where confidence rules, it can be tough to let the world know you need assistance and don’t have all the answers—especially if the thought of asking for help terrifies you. Even more so if you feel like you’re “less than” for doing so.

Though it might seem counterintuitive, asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength. When a leader models vulnerability, it signals to her team, colleagues, and clients that it’s okay for others to do the same, creating a culture and environment of openness and collaboration. Plus, it allows team members to use their energy and know-how to craft solutions to a problem—and demonstrates that their leader is human, just like them.

4. They lead with kindness and respect

Now more than ever, the world seems increasingly divisive. Unfortunately, far too many allow their frustrations to fuel mean-spirited behaviors that only exacerbate a hostile environment. We desperately need positive role models who lead with kindness and respect. Those aware that our differences and challenges make us stronger, not weaker, focus on celebrating our commonalities and finding the good in situations.

When you choose to lead with kindness and respect, you unite and inspire people and help shift them towards—and keep them focused on—the positive. And when you consistently stand out for the positive, you create a ripple effect that encourages others to do so as well.

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