Leading in the days of Coronavirus
I am accidentally bilingual. Working in startups and large companies on the east coast and west coast of the U.S., and living across eastern and western cultures, has offered me different perspectives and an opportunity to learn how to lead in hard and complex situations.
Leadership is always important. When times get tough, it becomes critical. While modern medicine has advanced dramatically, the power of new microbes is never to be underestimated. We need time to create solutions, but governments can't negotiate truce with a microbe.
Here are some of my observations – mostly framed to ensure I take a sensible approach to the challenges we will face in the coming days – that may also be helpful to you.
We are all leaders. We all will need to do our part. If we are healthy or if we get the virus – be clear of dos and don’ts in both situations.
We need to lead knowing that ambiguity is now the norm. We do not know the future. Health, hospitals, family, friends, food, markets, work – there are more unknowns versus knowns. Careful observance of what's real and what's panic and overreaction will help us make good decisions.
People will try to do their best, but mistakes will happen. In these circumstances, mistakes matter much less than intent, effort and learning. Positive effort will lead to positive results. Believe in the power of us. Stay positive. Discover, learn, adjust.
Decisions will change overnight. Some decisions will happen to us, and some we will need to make. Embrace the situation and lean in. Think what to do next vs continuing to push to make the past work.
Kindness wins over frustration. Especially when times are tough. There is a lot to be frustrated about. We can only control what we can control.
Employees and peers may not know the truth, but they know when you are not speaking the truth. Be honest. Also known as we are all on high alert for BS.
Hustle. Over communicate. Think about the outcome vs activity. Trust people.
Make sure to give your loved ones a hug, a call, or whatever is the appropriate way to communicate in the days of a pandemic.
Those are some quick thoughts from me. What are your favorite stories of leadership in such uncertain times? How do you unleash your inner Shackleton? I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas.
Be safe and please don’t buy all the soap. Everyone needs to stay healthy!