How to be an Opportunity Leader in Times of Crisis

Leadership

Apr 12

It’s no longer a question for most organizations as to whether or not COVID-19 will affect them. The question now is how will they respond? Will they be able to weather the storm? Uncertain times are the true test of a leader.

One estimate states that this pandemic will cost organizations $1.1 trillion by the end of the year. And while many of the challenges are financial, there are plenty of other obstacles leaders are facing right now. Issues such as: How do we keep employees safe and engaged? How do we continue to stay afloat and move forward at the same time? How do we support and help customers through this time?

Types of Leaders

There are three types of leaders emerging right now — each having a different approach to mindset and strategy. And you have a choice as to which one you want to be. They are:

The Fear-Based Leader

This type is ruled by emotion. They are weighed down and overwhelmed by the tragedy of the situation, focusing heavily on where to place blame externally. They are in struggle-mode, with a victim mentality. This leader can’t stop scrolling their social media feed and watching or reading news. They are reacting to fear, and they refuse to look for solutions.

The Sit on the Sideline Leader

Less emotional than the fear-based type, this leader is in a more neutral position. They stay connected to the news stories (mostly the negative ones), but they haven’t developed a plan for what to do about it. They are in waiting-mode, hoping that the crisis will pass so they can get back to normal. Until then, they are choosing to press pause on business in as many ways as possible.

The Opportunity Leader

While this type pays attention to the news, they are more concerned with productive news and facts relating to positive responses to what’s happening. This type is focused on seeing the opportunity within and pivoting their business offerings to what their customers are needing right now (even if it wasn’t previously the plan). They are proactive in making changes, with an optimistic overall mindset. They are the most likely to stay ahead of the game.

Which Leader Do You Want to Be?

Every business is facing new challenges right now. There are new rules, and no is one is exempt from the changes at hand. The type of leader you choose to be, however, is based on what you bring to the situation and the perspective you choose to embody.

Do you want to be preoccupied with whose fault it is, like the fear-based leader?

Do you want to be slow to take a stance, like the sideline leader, waiting until it’s too late to take action?

Or do you want to look for creative solutions — finding new opportunities and leading with positivity like the opportunity leader?

My guess is you want to be the opportunity leader, admired for their resilience, strong leadership, and ability to lead their organization through a crisis to the other side where there is sure to be transformation and growth.

"The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails." -- John Maxwell

How to Be the Opportunity Leader

Ensure that your employees feel safe, secure, and heard. Your people have been thrust into a situation that many have never experienced. They want to know you have their best interests at heart. And you want them to be there for you on the other side of this crisis. Maintain transparency in your communications (and communicate often). Lead with empathy and understanding. Be the confident leader you would want to follow in times like these.
Listen to what your customers need right now. You must be sensitive to what’s going on in the current situation. If you keep on with “business as usual,” your customers might be put off by your approach. Most everyone is dealing with drastic changes to their way of life, so you may have to seek new ways that you can help meet their current needs. Be willing to shift your products and services (and the way that you present them to customers).
Change strategy based on current opportunities. You may have been making great progress towards a goal before this pandemic hit. And now that goal might not be possible in the same way. Agility and resilience are crucial traits of an opportunity leader. Stay true to your organization’s purpose, and make a plan for the new situation, to the best of your ability. Handle the details, but don’t lose sight of the bigger picture.
Help your employees succeed virtually. The new reality is a team dispersed into their own homes, trying to maintain an office work approach. Align your expectations to the current reality. Many are now charged with working from home while schooling their children and having a spouse who is doing the same. Listen to their challenges and work together to find solutions for them. Make sure they have the tools they need to stay engaged including a collaboration platform and videoconferencing capabilities that will help maintain an “office culture” from home.

In Summary

Leadership through a crisis demands flexibility. It demands that you evolve your style as necessary throughout the course. People are looking to you now possibly more than ever before. They need you to be the calm, composed, patient leader that has a plan for navigating the challenge. Times of crisis will pull out the next generation of great leaders and great organizations — those who see opportunity and the potential for giving value.