Protest. Parade. Lesson.

I pray that we never again experience the kind of conflict that we see in our nation today. Watching George Floyd die in that video…seeing peaceful protests turn into violence, destruction, and riots…hearing the absolute and broad disdain for entire groups of people whether they’re black or white or police officers or whatever…it’s a difficult time in our communities and our nation right now.

Throughout it, there are already plenty of lessons in life, humanity, leadership, and even business just waiting for us. Maybe you already saw this video of Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson with a group of protestors in Flint, MI. His display of leadership, compassion, and collaboration is what today’s leadership should be all about. Check it out https://bit.ly/2ZYwwJC

So what really stands out about leadership in crisis situations in Swanson’s video?

Leaders provide calmness and clarity. Everything about the way Sheriff Swanson approached the situation resulted in promoting or providing calmness and clarity. He de-escalates the situation, indicating that he took off his helmet and his team put down their batons – he immediately calmed the situation by showing his intent to work together by being vulnerable. Then, with positivity and honesty, he addressed the crowd as a servant leader with a willingness to listen and a candor in clarifying the integrity and values that he and his team share with the protesters. As leaders, it’s up to us to provide a clear view of what the situation really is and an honest, calm look at approaching it together.

Leaders unite people and amplify voices. Coming together starts by showing that you’re human. “These cops love you. That cop over there hugs people.” He said he cared and proved it by showing that he clearly had conversations with leaders like Pastor Hawkins, who he refers to in the front of the crowd. He refers to someone as “my man” and “the gentleman” showing caring, honoring the people as valuable individuals instead of adversaries. And then he shows a willingness to truly hear them – “The only reason we’re here is to make sure that you got a voice.” Tell us what you need. By that point, he has created the beginning of a positive rally vs. a volatile protest. As leaders, it’s up to us to lead with a humanity that unites people and highlights their worth.

Leaders create common vision and productive action. Sheriff Swanson genuinely says… “We wanna be with y’all for real.” He promotes a vision of a parade, not a protest, and the crowd responds with a chant.. “Walk with us!” They’ve found common ground and united to be heard, to work together, and to move forward in positive action as one group. The pinnacle of our leadership is our ability to show the vision of what could be and work to orient all sides of a discussion to move forward in a common and productive direction.

Leadership isn’t an easy task for anyone who accepts the responsibility…particularly in heated situations like we see today. Emotions, assumptions, and judgement trump effective listening and logical reasoning. Because of that, clear and honest communication in providing calmness and clarity are key. Uniting people and encouraging them to have a voice that is heard is critical. And finding a common vision that moves teams to action together is absolutely essential.

As our nation’s situation further unfolds, I’ll continue to seek understanding by listening closely, researching, and discussing it with others. I’ll work to withhold judgement on disparate beliefs and opinions. And I’ll hope that, together, we learn lessons and act on them such that we build and move forward in the most productive way just like Sheriff Chris Swanson did in Flint.