6 Strategies For Strong Leadership During A Crisis
Reid Hoffman, the founder of LinkedIn, said: “In crisis times, it’s actually not more difficult to motivate your staff, because everyone gets much more focused on how they control their own economic destiny.”
This quote could not be more apt at the current time. Just a month or two ago, we planned to double the size of our business, and we were looking at employing another seven people. Almost overnight, we had to change our direction and planning. To do that, we’ve employed the six strategies outlined below, and they’ve helped me and my team navigate these unchartered waters:
Choose Your Attitude
With the threat of a global pandemic and a recession worse than the Great Depression looming, it’s easy to fall victim to anxiety and fear. These negative emotions do not help achieve clarity of thought and direction—attributes that are critical to navigating these difficult times.
In order to choose my own attitude, I wake up, see my kids, spend the next ten minutes thinking about what I should be grateful for, and then listen to music that puts me in a positive frame of mind. For a complete toolbox of things to choose your attitude, download Debra Searle’s Choose Your Attitude toolbox.
Over-Communicate
Communication is important at the best of times; in a crisis, it is absolutely critical. People need to know what is going on and understand both the good and the bad that is happening.
Personally, I give the Pure SEO crew a daily video update, always including something positive and recognising the awesome work of the team. I also let people know how we are faring and what I am doing.
Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously. Be Human.
I dislike the whole hierarchy thing. I believe people are people; we all have something to bring to the table. Just because one skillset is rewarded more by a capitalist society, doesn’t make someone better than someone else.
When I communicate to my team, I try to do so with humour (difficult for an introvert) and authenticity. It is important that people can relate to you and know that you are also in the trenches, fighting for survival with them.
Connect With A Strong Support Network
Your team will give you a certain amount of support. However, having a support network of peers is critical.
There is value in having people to lean on who genuinely understand what you are going through, who also have to make difficult decisions and with whom you can have a 100 percent honest, confidential conversation with.
Know Your Cashflow
Profit can be a matter of opinion. Cash, on the other hand, is a matter of fact. When uncertain times hit, cashflow is what will see you through. Understanding, projecting, and knowing your cashflow is critical. Period.
Make Decisions Quickly
Procrastination is bad at the best of times and being decisive allows you to move at pace; you can always pivot if you need to. Decisiveness shows your team that they can rely on you and provides a sense of security and direction.
I have been humbled by the Pure SEO team’s response to the difficult times we are facing. Showing strong, empathetic and decisive leadership is the least I can give back under the circumstances.