How do you lead though the initial chaos

I am observing just how hard it is for businesses and staff to navigate these difficult times. There are so many unknowns, with senior staff (and Boards) being pulled in all directions with scenario planning, considering ways to pivot and adapt the business, twice weekly board updates, and working remotely with teams. It is real tough. I also sense a mixture of positive and optimistic activity and behaviours, and others who are doing it real tough and are struggling to stay in a positive headspace. This spectrum is perfectly understandable.

I am curious about how others manage use of key talent during these periods. Do you use key talent in these times:

• By asking them to navigate the myriad of scenario thinking that is needed at the moment in addition to their day to day job.
• Do you pull them out of their day to day to focus on scenario thinking and planning?
• Do you bite the bullet and in spite of potential cash flow restraints, and bring in contract support to either help with project work, or backfill roles where you choose to use key talent in project work?

Then there is the question of how do you “hand pick” key talent who to help you in scenario planning and assessing how you can do things differently in this unknown world. Do you look for Staff member’s:

• Who may be more comfortable dealing with ambiguity and complexity.
• Are innovative thinkers and can work effectively with those with deep operational knowledge.
• Who have innate ability to harness support quickly around them.
• Who understand stakeholders and how to stay connected with them during project work.
• Who are trusted for their ability to follow through and be accountable for completion.

Or do you simply not overthink it, and either ask people to put their hands up or make a quick intuitive decision. There is no easy answer here. I’m intrigued how others lead and manage these types of decisions?

And more importantly are you grateful to all your staff no matter what role they are playing at the moment? How do you express that you are grateful?

Stay strong out there. Respect that some days are hard. But there will be light at the end of the tunnel!