10 leadership tips during crisis

Imagine that a few years from now, there’s someone sitting across the table. Someone you need to impress- an investor for your enterprise, a business partner, a potential client or a recruiter for your dream job. And they ask you: “How do you lead your team through a crisis satiation?”

This is a huge question in the business world. There will always be crises- and a crisis can bring opportunity, if it’s handled correctly. Your answer needs to demonstrate calmness, courage and decisiveness.

Here are 10 tips to guarantee you handle a difficult situation the best way and ensure a positive outcome for yourself and your business:

1. Analyze the situation

Before you can come up with a  solution, you need to understand what’s happening. So take the time to review the situation and its impact on your team. What are your strengths, and what difficulties do you anticipate? How are your employees, your clients and suppliers doing?

Get a clear idea of all aspects and potential consequences of the crisis before coming up with a plan.

2. Technology is your friend

There are a lot of digital tools you can use to be more effective. Use them!

If you’re in a field where it’s important for the team to stay in touch, a professional chat system like Skype Business or Slack ensures everyone can be on the same page and stay productive.

Do several people need to work on the same file at once? Pick a cloud system that enables real-time collaboration.

And, of course, for managing projects and tracking your team’s productivity, software such as Asana or Jira maps your objectives and follows your progress.

Whatever your field, it’s important to pick the right software to keep your team efficient.

3. Communicate

You can recognize a good manager by the way they communicate with their team. Be clear with your feedback, and transparent with your objectives and goals. Make sure your employees know what you expect- and why you expect it. Always ask questions and listen to what people have to say. Be open to their thoughts and opinions.

All of that is a great way to create a positive atmosphere, where everyone in your team feels heard and encouraged to share their good ideas.

4. Think ahead

Studies have shown that scarcity can make us less productive. When we’re faced with a shortage of something(staff, time, money, social contacts) we go into survival mode and aim for short-term solutions- which can impact us in the long run. Make decisions today to ensure your team’s wellbeing tomorrow. A good manager doesn’t just put out fires- they try to prevent them.

5. Take charge 

When there’s trouble, people need someone to make the tough decisions and steer the team in the right direction. Check with your employees and keep track of their workload. Understand what they’re doing and why, and make sure everyone can focus on their priority tasks.

6. Help out when needed 

It’s okay to support your employees when they need a hand – not only does this get the job done faster, it also promotes teamwork. As a manager, it’s up to you to show your involvement, and demonstrate that you know what’s happening and where some help is needed. This is a great way to brush up on the core responsibilities on your team, while making them feel appreciated.

7. Stay available 

A crisis comes hand in hand with uncertainty- everyone probably has questions and concerns. It’s your job to give your team clear, helpful answers. Make sure to be available for this. An accessible manager is a positive role model and motivates people to openly communicate and discuss their thoughts.

8. Think of the shareholders

Sure, you’re the manager, but have you thought about the shareholders? Stop and make a list of people who can influence the success of your projects, then take the time to check with them. For your team to keep moving forward, it’s important that everyone who wants the project to succeed is in the know and working together.

9. Mental health is important 

Give your employees some time to get used to a changing situation, and help them recognize the new opportunities arising. As a manager, you need to keep an eye on the psychological effects current events have on your team. Some people adjust quickly, while others may need some help coping. If an employee is sensitive to stress or easily gets frustrated, make sure they’re doing all right. An empathetic manager that helps their team through tough times is sure to emerge with a stronger, more resilient workforce!

10. Rise to the challenge 

A crisis pushes you to self-reflect and challenges you to get out of your comfort zone. Be open to any valuable lessons the situation might bring. Take a step forward, and use this opportunity to become an even better manager.

What kind of manager do you want to be when the time comes? Find out now! Gain the knowledge you’ll need through our courses, and lead your team to success.