How a Leader Should Lead in Tough times

                     In our entire course of human history, there have always been times which were deemed unprecedented because of their anomalistic nature. And these were the times when the need for a guiding light, a pathfinder, felt the most. It was the leader – that one person – who placated the masses, helped bring peace and normalcy and took crucial decisions for the betterment of the people.

                      With a proficient and adept leader, every catastrophe and every impediment can succumb under that leader’s leadership. An organizational leader – be it a CEO, CIO, CISO or merely a team lead – must have the understanding on how to deal with dexterity in crisis situation.

                      What we are facing today is not unprecedented, but yet it is something that no one was prepared for. Probably not even our leaders. The genesis of the novel coronavirus and it’s rapid spread took us all by shock. The number of people contracting the virus abruptly increased and so did the mortality rate. At this climacteric, some leaders were prudent enough to take the right decision in a timely manner without delay thus avoiding causalities and allowing business to survive in such difficult times.

                      There is always a time when a leader has to take decisions around two points. For example, an organizational leader has to make a decision between the cost v/s the continuity of the business. For soldiers on the borders, it is about their life v/s the sovereignty of their nation. Continuous practice makes it easier for a leader to decide in the future. Let’s dive deeper into this.

Once upon a time, a group of Indian soldiers became lost in the lesser Himalayas i.e the Siwaliks. They were hungry and disoriented. They argued about which way to go, but in the fading light every peak looked the same. The soldiers had no chance of surviving the night in the freezing temperatures.

Suddenly, a miracle.

One of them found a map sewn into the lining of his kitbag. He plotted a route, and marched them briskly back to base. Later, when they were warm and well fed, the soldier looked closer at his map. It actually was of the Aravalis – hundreds of miles away. It’s like the old saying – when you’re lost, any old map will do.

                           The above story teaches us that all you need is a calm state of mind to analyses the situation and then carry on suitable actions by taking advice from your peers if needed.

                             And the same applies to any organisational leaders who tend to find themselves in similar situations. These are the times when a leader's true capabilities are put to test. To sail the boat through peaceful waves is quite easy, but to navigate steer the boar right direction through tumultuous tides is nerve-wracking. And only a true leader, by which we mean, only a person who can analyses the predicament, take immediate actions instead of vacillating will be able to bring the situation back to normal.  The leader must not only be a good speaker but also a good listener to decipher the precarious problem and lead her/his people through it.

There are 5 ways you can be a good leader in a crisis –

1. Be calm! – Scientists have proven that a calm mind can make 75 % more correct or rational decisions then a chaotic mind. For a person who finds it difficult to manage their temper, practicing yoga and meditation can prove beneficial

2. Make Quick decisions! – The best leaders quickly process the information at hand and deciphers the matter to take rapid decision. During crisis instinctive side of the brains is more useful. You can read Think fast and slow by Daniel Kahneman to get more insights on how a brain function and how you can rewire your brain to take right decision. During a crisis priorities may clash, and emotions and anxieties levels are surging, Leaders must break through the inertia to keep the momentum going. For a long-term success, a simple framework for rapid decision is critical for ensuring leaders to take decision during such situation.

3.  Practice! – This is what all the military personnel and firefighters do all the time. They practice all the situations and scenarios that could go wrong and are well prepared for any consequences. They have an SOP to guide them. Similarly organizations should practice all worst-case scenario and indite them in a hand book for easy reference during crisis situation.

4.Acquire Experience! – Experience stands above all. Leaders or members having experience in managing crisis situation proves vital in managing the situation at hand. Therefore, having an experience crew is a blessing.

5. Finally, Be Quick In Execution! –Its time to take action !!! Execution in our context is the right enactment of the decisions you have taken, the plans you have made. To execute your plan with the right amount of workforce, within a stipulated amount of time is important. So give all your attention to the work at hand and complete it then and there.

         " A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent." --Douglas MacArthur.