Difficult times have often served as tests of our capabilities and potential. And to me, there’s no bigger test that this crisis has given us than the test of leadership.

Every leader on the planet – whether it’s the director of a hospital, a country’s head of state, a company CEO, or parents trying to raise their kids – has been hit with a red alert, telling them that this is the time to really step up as leaders. And while many have risen to the challenge, many have also failed.

For instance, while some leaders like Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand and General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong of Vietnam have bravely responded with quick, decisive thinking, many others have responded undesirably by prioritising political agenda over leadership.

In crises, we see the best leaders emerge, but more importantly, they show us what the best leaders have in common. So how should great leaders function in a crisis, and how can these best practices help you develop your leadership skills? Read on and find out:

1) Respond Swiftly

In a crisis, speed is key. This doesn’t mean making errant decisions, but refers to thinking fast and making sure that problems are mitigated as soon as possible.

One of the best examples of this in the COVID-19 pandemic is Vietnam. The Southeast Asian country didn’t wait around to have their first case before drafting up plans to battle coronavirus. So, when the first case hit, they immediately closed their borders and implemented a lockdown that was initially labelled “too strict” by other countries, but have since been replicated across the world.

Because of Vietnam’s quick thinking, they were able to reopen schools as early as May. Their economy and day-to-day lifestyle have returned to normal, and it’s all thanks to the swift response of their leaders.

2) Be Consistent and Reliable

But more than just acting fast, you have to act consistently and reliably. Consistency and reliability are  among the biggest assets of a leader, especially at a time when barely anything in the world is consistent or reliable.

As a leader, your team looks to you to make sure that everything runs smoothly. This is even more true in a time of crisis. If you aren’t able to show up consistently for your team, that’s when chaos, negativity, and disorder ensue. And trust me, those negative things will get even worse in crazy times such as this.

A good example of a reliable leader is New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Throughout the entirety of the pandemic, she has always made sure to assure the Kiwis that they shouldn’t be disheartened, and that they need to stay empathetic and united.

Above all else, she has made sure to provide regular updates on how the country is handling its lockdown. She never strayed from the details, and always used easy access tools like Facebook Live to deliver her messages.

It is through dependability, clarity, and reassurance that a true leader shows their abilities and rallies their people. These are the same things you need to emulate to lead your team in a crisis.

3) Engage and Inspire

Great leaders are able to bring out leaders in others. The greatest leaders in history have always been the ones that have gotten others believing in themselves and believing in the power of collective action.

One of the best examples isn’t even a COVID-19 example. When Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his I Have A Dream speech, it inspired 250,000 people at that rally to continue fighting for their rights. It was that kind of leadership that empowered pretty much every person of colour to be a leader themselves, and to work for the change they wanted to see.

The same is true for you. Remind people of their capabilities, and show them that they’re not alone. Show your team that in the middle of a crisis, it isn’t about who gets ahead. It’s about how we keep each other afloat.

Great leaders turn others into leaders. But to do that when people are feeling their most vulnerable makes for the greatest leader of all.

To your success,

Mario

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