Leadership conversations in a time of Crises

This is snap shot of real business dialogue in the first week of the Covid19 crises. I hope it helps people reflect, your not alone and we have a long way to go! Names of organisations and people have been excluded so that i can share it warts and all.

CEO 1 I just don’t know what to do, revenue is already down by 75% and I have wages due next week. Do I lay people off or reduce wages...it’s just total shite. I going for a walk around the block.

HRD 1 I am exhausted started early and finishing late can’t self isolate we need core people in the office to make calls on customer and staff. There is a bit of panic but we’re calming each other down when it bites.

MD 1 The government stuff helpful but I don’t know when revenue will come back so a loan might not help I don’t need more debt ...….won’t it buy you time so you can look after your people....your right we’ve got to do the right thing. I am on to it.

CEO 2 I’ve told people to take their leave so I can pay them (they have got nothing to do) and if demand comes back I’ve got staff ready to serve! Not sure how long we can I go on without making people redundant. A board call Monday I am pushing for cuts to board & executive salaries by 30% we can afford it and I am asking to use the balance sheet to keep paying people. I will let you know how I get on....are you hopeful....it depends if the FDs on board and he’s been very quite

CEO 1 Conference and video calls from 7am. The PE house only know beginning to understand the impact on the business. They only asked for potential impact on EBITDA and I said what EBITDA and there was a long silence......and then the partner said I see!!

MD2 A big customer owes us ￡150k that’s a months wages and they won’t tell me when they will pay! This is huge for us they aren’t returning calls and won’t answer my questions. I would escalate this quickly if I was you it’s not reasonable behaviour....I just am really worried about what the answer might be.......

HRD 2 The board was split half saying it’s going to be carnage for a year so let’s cut hard and fast now to protect the business. Others saying we can’t throw good people to the wolves, we have to live the values and help as many make it to the other side as possible. We got to the right place in the end but how long sense will prevail who knows!?  

MD 1 I am having to send the staff home they have nothing much to do and they are winding each other up! They just talk about the virus all day it’s not healthy...IT have got home working sorted but we’ve not tested it. Have you got any ideas on how we keep people connected and I can inspire people via video....!

CEO 2 The Government job thing is great news I can keep the board together and use the funding to keep all the staff on. That Rishi fella...the Chancellor?....... has been amazing he’s got it quickly and responded like no other politician I’ve ever seen. I would kiss him if I could....but you know social distancing and all that... I can’t wait for a wine later when i get home.........what a f***ing week.

Reflections on week one

The size and scale of the initial challenge for businesses is becoming apparent. Leaders are not immune from emotion in fact most would admit to experiencing fear and panic at different points in the week, however they are recognising this and are listening and talking things out with their teams. Most are trying to do the right thing but the pressure will mount as the long term ramifications become more visible.

Remote working is a total godsend and video platforms Teams, Skype, Google hangouts and zoom are essential tools. They are now business critical infrastructure and need to be protected by government as well as tech companies.

To Non executives, advisors and consultants now is the time to help and support your clients reflect, learn and make sound decisions. In the face of adversity our job is more important than ever.

Kevin Green

21/3/2020