How can I be the best leader in a time of crisis

As an owner or leader of a business your leadership skills will never, ever be more called for than in a crisis.

While there are many ways to ride the storm, here is some advice on how to prevail as the best leader you know you can be.

KEEP CALM – AND CARRY ON!

A great quote from Winston Churchill for when things go wrong.

As a small business owner, you have fewer reasons to keep your head than a corporate business leader.?

After all, the buck stops with you.?

So, yes, any feelings of irritability and stress are entirely normal and warranted.

But, despite your inner turmoil, try to stay calm in front of your people.?

Even if outside of work, you let off steam.?

By emanating a sense of calm, your people will feel reassured.?

You can still be humble and admit feeling the heat – but try to remain level-headed.

It might be helpful to reach out to people in a similar position – like other small business owners in your industry or town.?

They will likely have gone through similar experiences or are doing so now.?

Not only will this make you feel less alone – you might even be able to borrow some ideas from them!

BE AWARE, BUT DON’T FORGET TO SHARE

As a leader, your people will expect you to be the font of all knowledge.?

In reality, you won’t be, but you have a duty to keep on top of what’s happening.

This is a tall order if the picture’s changing rapidly and external forces are involved.?In this digital age, your people can get their hands on as much information as you can, so there is even more pressure on you to stay one step ahead.?

Diary some time each day to chat with your team and for them to tell you what’s on their mind.?

By doing this consistently at a pre-arranged time, you stop the entire day being dominated by unhelpful discussions.?

Don’t forget to include your remote workers too.?

It will help them to feel more connected to you.

Whenever you feel overwhelmed, try to cut through the noise and remember that all you have to do is:?“Get the facts, communicate them responsibly, and know your audience.

ADAPT, ADAPT, ADAPT

Another apt quote by Richard Branson.?

When you are right smack amid turbulent times, you must challenge your fixed thinking and become more pragmatic. How you?usually?do things won’t always cut it in a crisis.

For example, if you are the leader who hates managing a remote workforce and typically won’t allow it, then you probably need to adapt – if that’s what the situation calls for.

Experienced small business owners can rapidly adapt to moving situations by being open to new ways of leadership and new ways of doing business.

BE INSPIRING AND BE THERE

When disaster strikes, be visible, be present, and be there to listen to your people.

While in crisis mode, think about what you want your legacy to be. You are probably thinking:?

“What? I don’t have time for that!

But, it will help you to shape your response.

When faced with an emergency, will your legacy be the panicky, frenzied stress head? Or will it be the manager who demonstrates complete control and inspires their people to triumph?

IN SUMMARY

Small business owners and leaders are responsible when a crisis kicks off.

But it’s important to stay calm in front of your people by putting emotions to one side.

Humility is still required – it’s okay to show you’re human.?

And?

Don’t forget to contact your local or industry networks for help.

Dedicate time to stay on top of information from credible sources, but don’t lose yourself in this.?

Carve out set times to keep your people up to speed and to hear their concerns.

Prepare to adjust your thinking and routines around leadership and operational stuff. A fixed view will hold you back.

And finally, think about what you want people to say about how you?steered the ship?in challenging times. In other words, your crisis legacy.

If you need some support with leadership https://www.heartbeat-hr.co.uk/training/leadership-skills-194-513-726-887/ or contact me.