Leading During Hardship

The nation right now is immersed in all things Covid-19, and the unprecedented ways it has rapidly begun to affect our lives. What does that mean for businesses? And HOW do we proceed as leaders in business as we navigate ourselves through a global crossroads that is reshaping our day to day activity?

In any crisis, there is blame that goes around. Often, that finger is pointed directly at those in charge. It makes true leaders stand out, and weak leaders crumble. Don't forget what is essential and why we are here. Remember, as you approach the choices ahead to stay on brand. Putting others first helps deliver that message authentically while being respectful and showing empathy. It reaches the consumer in a way that builds brand loyalty even in the toughest times.

We have all received emails from businesses over the past week, which detail the ways they are addressing Covid-19. Right out of the gate, consumers can sniff out who is being authentic, and who is full of shit. Being credible, honorable, and transparent will build your reputation as a brand, people will continue to follow faithfully through feast and famine.

It's vital to show the same integrity with the people who work for your business. It takes courage to choose transparency, but you have to provide a sense of confidence and collective decision making with the people who represent your company. Above all else, they should feel safe. They should feel that their welfare is important. During hardship, you must reevaluate policies that could make people reconsider what is right for themselves out of fear or a misguided sense of responsibility. See the opportunity and help others to be successful. Stick to a set of core values like authenticity, integrity, transparency, communication, and the welfare of others.

Weak leaders will often refuse to admit weakness, refrain from looking too far ahead, and lack transparency to dodge the tough questions and direct focus away from negatives. They tend to be caught bragging about what they do well, even though that's nowhere near as productive as a leader who has the confidence to be open about what needs to change, recognize and admit what you can and cannot change, and communicate where you want to go together.

Look for opportunities. In every situation, there is room for growth, change, and revolutionary ideas to come alive. Innovative leaders know how to look at even the worst conditions and see the capacity for great things to emerge from them.

We don't know what lies ahead in the immediate future, but as somebody who has weathered the storm in crisis before, my final word is this: Focus on what you can control and what you're doing well. Show your fundamental beliefs through actions EVERY DAY, making conscious, collaborative decisions. Recognize you will have to let people down occasionally as a leader, but you CAN move forward intentionally to a higher level of success from the lessons learned.

-Eddy Perez, CMB - President, Equity Prime Mortgage visit my VLOG at www.eddygperezjr.com