Leadership Mistakes to Avoid in Crisis
We’ve talked and read a lot about what it takes to lead people through crisis and great change. But what can we learn from some of the big mistakes that leaders make when they are leading through uncertainty and chaos? We have seen some of these missteps in our coaching practice and experienced some of them in our former roles as executives in corporate America. Thinking back, we would group these into five different categories.
ONE: Assuming people are aware of what is expected.
During a time of great crisis, expectations can change. Expectations before the crisis may have been A, B and C and now the expectations need to be X, Y and Z. So, we need to re-establish expectations, make sure everyone understands them, and hold people accountable for the new expectations and / or goals.
TWO: Not meeting people where they are.
A common mistake we see people make, is that they don’t spend enough time with individuals and groups assessing their fears and challenges. And thus, not empathetically talking and discussing with people where they are emotionally at the time and helping them move through the change process.
THREE: Doing too much. During crises, leaders try to do everything but what they should be concentrating on is what we like to call the critical few. The 3, 4 or 5 big items that they really need to get their arms around for damage control — The big issues they are going to need to manage and lead people forward
FOUR: Missing opportunity to celebrate wins.
During a time of great crisis people sometimes lose confidence. They need us to acknowledge that they are doing things right — large wins and small wins — to help them gain confidence and gain back momentum.
And Most Important!
FIVE: Failure to take care of ourselves as leaders.
It is critically important during this time to get rest, exercise, eat right, do whatever it is to get a little bit of renewal so that you have clarity. Clarity is needed to lead your team and organization forward.
Be sure to stay well. In crisis and change, your leadership matters more than ever.
