Restrictions are easing, and it seems the worst of the Covid-19 crisis may be over, but the hard work of recovery is just beginning. A timely article from Deloitte entitled ‘The heart of resilient leadership’ (read it here) addresses the issue of leadership through the three phases of a crisis – response, recovery and thriving.
The article is packed with some excellent advice on leading through these three phases, and is well worth a read. A very quick summary of the main points are:
- Design from the heart…and the head
Leaders need to walk a fine line between empathy and compassion, and taking a tough line to protect the company.
- Put the mission first
Remember the purpose of the organisation, and ensure that this is maintained throughout the process.
- Aim for speed over elegance
Take decisive action, with courage based on imperfect information.
- Own the narrative
Be transparent about the current realities and a compelling picture of future possibilities
- Embrace the long view
Stay focussed on the horizon and what may yet emerge from where we are at.
Now is the time for leaders to be planning for moving forward and responding to the new opportunities, rather than bouncing back to the status quo.