By Linda Fisher Thornton
A pandemic is an event that happens to all of us. All our plans are scrapped and we have to reinvent ourselves in real time, with others still depending on us for services. Protests, as they should, have a profound impact on all of us. Dealing with these situations is the ultimate leadership challenge.
I am grateful to see so many businesses sharing resources and ideas freely and finding a way to do some good for others during this challenging time. Our shared crises can only be managed effectively with everyone pulling together to make good choices.
Some people approach the challenge of leading in bad times from the point of self-interest, trying to benefit from the misfortune of others. They may focus on hoarding critical supplies and price gouging as they take advantage of the situation.
Ethical leaders, in contrast, think about their responsibility to others at a higher level and for the longer term. Companies that put the greater good ahead of profits and “business as usual” are inspiring all of us.
- Companies Doing Good During the Coronavirus, Kris Janisch, GovDocs
- 50 Ways Companies Are Giving Back During the Coronavirus Crisis, Blake Morgan, Forbes
- The Nonprofits and Companies Helping to Fight the Pandemic, Medea Giordano, Wired
George Floyd’s tragic murder during the pandemic is sparking companies to take a stand in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, including some companies who have already taken steps to help others get through the pandemic.
- David Hessekiel, Companies Taking a Public Stand in the Wake of George Floyd’s Death, Forbes
- Derek Loosvelt, How Top Wall Street Firms Are Reacting to George Floyd’s Death, Vault
- Nicole Norfleet, Target Pledges $10 M to Social Justice, Rebuilding Efforts After George Floyd’s Death, Star Tribune
Shana Lebowitz noted in Business Insider that the most effective responses to George Floyd’s death “confronted discomfort head on, and invited difficult conversations. And they outlined concrete plans for cultivating diversity and inclusion, both in the workplace and in the US more generally.”
We are leading in a time when how we use our voice matters a great deal. I hope that these examples of companies taking a stand for good will prompt you to consider how you can amplify your leadership by doing good in bad times.
Leading in Context 