Why leadership in challenging times matters more…
My contention has always been that it’s easier to be a leader in the “good times” – when the market is a seller market, or there is an abundance of people and resources. Or when interest rates are low and there is relative peace worldwide. The test of leadership is when things are tough – when the environment one must lead in is facing some significant political, environmental, and social challenges. I have been thinking about this topic for years and have seen the evidence of one type of leadership or another during many crises in the past – and in the last year and the past few days. So this week, I wanted to delve into why leadership during tough times is crucial, why leadership in challenging moments matters more than many of us might think and some of the skills that it takes to be a good and prepared leader.
So why is leadership different in tough times than good times?
Navigating uncertainty
The path forward often seems clear in good times, and the leader is there to steer and guide. But when the going gets tough, uncertainty clouds the horizon. Leaders become the lighthouses, providing direction, stability, and hope amidst the chaos. They chart a course through the unknown, instilling confidence in their teams. This is the time to lean in on clarity, courage and direction. This is when leaders must walk the talk, push up their sleeves and get to work. Side-line leadership in challenging times does not work and only erodes trust and respect.
Inspiring resilience
Tough times test our mettle as teams and leaders. Tough times push us to our limits and test our resilience and coping strategies. During such periods, influential leaders must work to motivate, nurture resilience, and remind us that we have what it takes to weather the storm.
Decision-making under pressure
I have been on this topic for quite some time. Decisions can feel straightforward and sometimes almost linear when everything is going smoothly and there is little friction. But in a crisis or just plain difficult times, leaders must make crucial choices under enormous pressure, with perhaps limited information, resources, and significant risks. Yet, decisions must be made, and decisions are not always linear. I am reminded of an early career mentor who always cautioned that nothing creates uncertainty in a team like a leader who drags the chain and refuses to make a timely decision. This ability is crucial to learn and execute, especially in tough times.
Adapting to change
We often hear that “Change is the only constant”. And tough times tend to bring seismic shifts (think COVID-19, climate change, competitive pressures). Leaders who can adapt quickly and guide their teams through transitions are invaluable. Leaders know they must embrace change as an opportunity for growth and innovation. And the most effective leaders show the organisation, their teams, and colleagues how to adapt to change, not just talk about it.
So, with that high-level view on the importance of leadership in tough times, what are the ingredients of effective personal leadership that are needed significantly more in tough times than in the good times?
For me, they are:
Empathy
Empathy is the bridge that connects leaders to their teams. It’s about understanding and acknowledging the emotions and concerns of those you lead. In tough times, empathy is the glue that holds everyone together. How would you rate your empathy? And more importantly, what would your team say about your empathy today? If leaders don’t cultivate empathy in good times, I can tell you, it won’t be there when the times are tough.
Clear communication
Effective leaders are expert communicators. They provide transparent and consistent messages, even when the information is grim. Clarity cuts through confusion and helps people know what’s expected of them. Be sure to deliver “bad” news (as per the blog post of September 5th, 2023) as quickly as possible. People know something is not right already, and being a good leader means being front up and transparent.
Leading by example
Leaders who lead from the front inspire trust and loyalty. When your team sees you rolling up your sleeves and working alongside them, it fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose. And yes, it does mean holding a hose if needed or helping in the soup kitchens. The point is we all want leaders who walk the talk and lead by example. So before we judge, we need to make sure we are showing up ourselves.
Being kind
Knowing that people are challenged and acclimatising to a tough period is critical, so self-awareness and kindness are necessary. We are united more in our humanity than we like to admit. So be kind. If leaders are not kind in good times, I am unsure how they will be kind in tough times. So practice being kind.
Decisiveness
In crises, indecision can be disastrous. Leaders must gather information, weigh options, and make tough decisions promptly. Even if the decision is unpopular, showing resolve and taking responsibility is crucial. What is your decision-making style? Spend the time to learn more about this when the times are good because you might not have the time to learn it all during a crisis!
Final thoughts
So here we have it. When leaders rise to the occasion during tough times, the impact goes far beyond the immediate crisis. It sets a precedent for resilience and adaptability within organisations and teams. And you don’t need a title to be a leader in tough times. Leadership is not limited to CEOs or politicians; it’s about taking initiative and positively impacting wherever you are.
We are facing turbulent times, and each of us has a role to play in our leadership journey. We will face many opportunities to show leadership, whether on Saturday, October 14th, with the referendum here in Australia or how we help and lead in our communities in the upcoming summer with the uncertain weather, or in our organisations as we realign and readjust to the realities of artificial intelligence and cyber challenges. The opportunities are here already, so how will we respond as leaders?
In the grand narrative of life, leadership during good times is like a sunny day at the beach—pleasant. But leadership in the stormy sea is where we find our mettle. It’s where we see leaders shine, where they inspire us, guide us, and lead us toward safer shores.
So, when the waves get rough and the skies darken, we must remember that our leadership then matters even more than in the good times. Embrace the challenge, rise to the occasion, and be the beacon of hope and strength that the world (however you define it) needs. Whether leading an organisation, a team, or yourself, your leadership can make a profound difference in the most challenging times.
As always, if you invest in yourself, the rewards will be unfathomable.
Until next time.
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