Leadership Lifeline | Covid 19

We don’t have much control over what happens due to the Pandemic though we can choose how we relate to it.

Amidst this fog of uncertainty, while we are gradually making peace with the new normal. What perhaps could be the leadership Lifeline? Well, based on the experience of working with leaders in 101 and group settings across the globe, the answer is not IQ, or any other technical skill, it is the incredible Emotional and Social Intelligence (EI and SI).

The present crisis has led to fear amongst employees, clients, investors and stakeholders. It is imperative for the leaders to reflect, introspect, understand the situation and then, come up with an informed plan. Leaders are expected to exhibit an ability to understand various mindsets and behaviours of those who look up to them.

So now, here are some of the best practices that leaders could adopt, which clearly defines their underlying role during this massive crisis.

#Self Empowerment

We are going through our own set of emotions. It is important to offer compassion to oneself, acknowledge the emotions, let go and accept the new emerging reality.

We need to cultivate the ability to be still, calm and present with ourselves. This would enable us to be more centred, resourceful and strategic to lead an intentional change.

Quick tool to practice:

Find a quite space, sit in a comfortable position, post reading the exercise, close your eyes, as you get present with each breath. Ask yourself ‘What am I feeling’?

I invite you to wear a hat of a friend who is non-judgemental, unconditional, abundant and is compassionate. Now being in this space, what all could this friend be appreciating you for? Open your eyes and write a letter full of love and compassion from your friend to yourself. 

Read the letter and ask yourself, how am I feeling now?

What might have shifted?

#Pause, Reflect and Act

During the crisis, there will be several moments that will call for an immediate action. In such a scenario, I would urge you to find some time to pause, reflect, anticipate the path from all fronts and then act on it firmly.

Quick tool to practice:

Close your eyes, take a deep breath In and breath out. Getting in touch with your source, your higher self, Ask, What’s emerging? What else is possible? Who else could I get a fresh perspective from?

#Empathy and Support

We already are witnessing this major tragedy. Though several measures are being taken to safeguard the lives. People are bound to be impacted, directly or indirectly. It is crucial that we are empathetic towards our people. Keeping in mind the challenges being experienced by the people around us, I invite you to see every situation with fresh eyes and hear with an open ear. At the outset, Ask How are you? How are your loved ones? What support can I or the organization be?

Quick tool to practice:

I invite you to pause and reflect- What fears, emotions and underlying concerns my people could be operating out of? Now, gaining some perspective from it, how would I choose to engage?

#Open Communication

It is important to keep an open two-way communication. Invite thoughts, ideas, suggestions and potential solutions from all stakeholders. Formulating a collaborative action plan with a clear RACI matrix, defining who is responsible, accountable, consulted and informed.

Send regular updates with verified pertinent information. Be an active listener, and always be ready to hear the questions, queries and understand the concerns of your team. However, in times of an emergency clearly state the course of action, to bring the situation in control.

Quick tool to practice:

Pause and reflect: What’s your ask vs tell ratio. In at least one conversation today, practice asking questions and advising much less. Note your observations.

#Attitude of Gratitude

Last but not the least being grateful. We have all been shockingly awakened by mother nature, to reflect and bring our attention to resources , people and gifts in our lives, that we took for granted. To begin with the , our body, air we breathe, skills we have, to people in our lives, the support system, from healthcare leaders to the housekeeping staff on the ground.

What are we waiting for? Let’s recognize and send a personalized thank you note to those who are directly or indirectly contributing to our existence.

Quick tool to practice:

Before you sleep, close your eyes bring you hand to your heart, getting present with each breath as it enters to your heart and goes out. Thank your breath, body, gifts you have- skills, luxury, food, water, people at home, office, so on and so forth…

Count your blessings and if your fall short of counting them, start counting each new breath!!

Coronavirus situation is indeed VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous). Leaders of every sector and organization are going through a major shift. Thus, it becomes necessary to pause, acknowledge and anticipate the situation. Focussing on what’s still in our control and act accordingly.

I invite you to do a quick check, where am I on a scale of 0-10 on each of the above areas. What could take me further?

These are just a few quick thoughts I have summarized. Please feel free to add and share your wisdom. I’ll be happy to incorporate your thoughts in the next article.

My heartfelt gratitude and support to all the leaders who are helping the planet deal with this crisis.