The pandemic has shaken the nature of work and leadership to its core. And while many people are still anxiously awaiting a return to normal, it’s becoming more and more apparent that the “normal” we crave won’t be the same as what we had before.
As we all come to terms with the fact that this crisis is changing the world in ways we never could have imagined, it’s more important than ever for leaders to be mindful of the need to adapt—not only to what’s happening in the moment but to a changing future. Here are some of the ways leaders should be adapting to the new reality:
Leaders must adapt to create stability. People in uncertain times need stability so they can foster resiliency, and that stability is achieved when you create a purpose-driven culture that prepares them to meet every new challenge with confidence and a unifying sense of a shared mission.
Leaders must adapt to create community. In the past, those who led remote teams focused on the challenges of communication and logistics. Now, with so many teams made up of people working from different locations, it’s important that you also create a sense of community. As dispersed teams move from being a stopgap measure to a new reality for many organizations, you need to seek out new ways to give direction, provide autonomy, and focus on outcomes while also building a strong, close-knit team.
Leaders must adapt to cultivate transparency and communication. More than ever, leaders need to establish platforms and forums where information is available and accessible. You want people to find information they need and for information to be exchanged through channels that are clear and convenient. Transparency and communication are especially critical in times of change.
Leaders must adapt to show flexibility. The relentless pace of change means people need to see leaders who model agility. To be successful, you need to prepare now to function in a business environment that requires high-level dynamic planning and thinking every day.
Leaders must adapt to focus on reliability. Especially in times of uncertainty, people need leaders they can count on. Make especially sure that your word is iron-clad. If you aren’t sure or you don’t know, say so—and if you learn later that you were wrong about something, own it.
Leaders must adapt to preserve the mental health of their people. To ensure and sustain the physical and mental health of your employees, you need to understand what they’re going through, and that comes from putting in the time to listen and being empathetic and compassionate. If you don’t listen you won’t know, and leaders need to be in the know about their employees’ well-being.
At the bottom line, we need leaders who can adapt to meet any challenges for the new reality, and the ones who succeed will be the ones who are mindful and thoughtful.
Lead from within: The leaders who can filter out the distractions and focus on what truly drives success will emerge stronger than ever—and so will their organizations.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow Old
- A Leadership Manifesto: A Guide To Greatness
- How to Succeed as A New Leader
- 12 of The Most Common Lies Leaders Tell Themselves
- 4 Proven Reasons Why Intuitive Leaders Make Great Leaders
- The One Quality Every Leader Needs To Succeed
- The Deception Trap of Leadership
Photo Credit: iStockPhotos
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.