LEADING THROUGH CRISIS

For leaders, crises are defining moments. And this current Coronavirus crisis will either amplify your competence or magnify your faults. Never will your aptitude as a leader be more closely examined than when crisis hits. If the leader fails to lead, is absent, silent, or slow to respond, he or she may never be forgiven - so it is essential that we leaders step up, get out in front, and lead. The following are ten practical suggestions to help you lead with excellence in this time of crisis.
 
1) RECOGNIZE THE CRISIS
Be realistic and affirm the crisis as a current reality. Unfortunately, some leaders fail to do this. When crisis hits, they slip into denial, hope for the best and lack the foresight to navigate appropriately. They believe it is better to avoid risky initiatives and settle back into a laissez-faire style of leadership. But by failing to be proactive, leaders set themselves up for conflict, criticism, turmoil and disruption.
 
2) GET OUT IN FRONT
James Witt wrote: “Although it seems unreasonable, unfair and impossible, it is the role of the leader to be many things at many times. In crisis, a leader must be visible, poised, courageous, committed, and attentive. At no other time is a leader’s character more on trial; he must lead and do it well. He must understand that people need to see him and hear him face the challenge head on, even if it puts him at risk.” Harvard Business Essentials states, “During periods of crisis, people look for a strong leader. They don’t look to committees or to teams; they look for a confident, visibly engaged leader to pull them through.” Unfortunately, leaders who don't respond quickly may damage their reputation forever. When hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, President George Bush lacked initiative—a mistake he never overcame.
 
3) CAST THE VISION
When crisis comes, many organizations descend into general sense of “what should we do?” This is why leaders must articulate a direction for their group—a practical strategy for dealing with their crisis. Although he or she should have a team helping to develop solutions, it is the leader who must ultimately step forward, create forums for clear thinking, decisive direction, and point the way.
 
4) DEFINE THE CRISIS; DON’T LET THE CRISIS DEFINE YOU
When crisis hits, the leader must get in front of the situation before it gains too much momentum and define the situation in his own terms. The language he or she uses, the challenges that will be solved, the response that will be taken, the values they will champion, all serve to establish the character and culture of that group. This is not to say that a leader should capitalize on tragedy to promote himself. Absolutely not. Rather, it is an opportunity for the leader to redeem the crisis by defining the powerful response the organization will take towards it.
 
5) FOCUS ON THE CORE PURPOSE
Successful leaders never lose sight of their organization’s core purpose and constantly point people toward it. They make sure the response to crisis is consistent with their values; and if the team wavers, the leader’s job is to pull them back—to make a course correction. This adjustment can be uncomfortable, but leadership is not about coddling people, leadership is about pulling people to place they ought to be, despite their reluctance to go there.
 
6) BUILD THE TEAM 
Any leader who tries to navigate crisis on his or her will undoubtedly fail. Great leaders are great team builders. They “know what they don’t know” and surround themselves with those who do. Moses had the seventy elders of Israel and David had the sons of Issachar who understood the times. Leaders who thrive during crises are leaders who built solid teams by continuously nurturing trust, open communication and personal relationships with key people. During crisis, it is this bond—this sense of trust—that keeps teams united, committed and engaged rather than succumbing to the urge to flee.
 
7) CONTINUOUSLY PLAN
The old saying will always be true: “If you fail to plan, plan to fail.” A key component to crisis management is meeting regularly, with key people, to analyze, evaluate, strategize and assign. Facilitating these meetings is the responsibility of the primary leader. Merely having meetings, however, is not enough. The leader must ensure the meetings are productive and add value to strategy. Never meet just to meet. Frequent meetings without an agenda, relevant data, intelligent brainstorming, and solution-oriented conversation only makes the leader look clueless and confused. Meetings should have a clear purpose, present actionable ideas, and invite open dialogue that allows opposing viewpoints (even with those of the leader).
 
8) ENCOURAGE THE TROOPS
Leaders must always be mindful of how stress, anxiety and discouragement are affecting those managing the crisis. Many people are disabled by fear and uncertainty in the midst of turmoil. When that occurs, leaders need to be present to “encourage the troops” by offering praise and appreciation for the good efforts of those who contribute the most. Positive recognition injects optimism, hope and releases endorphins. Never underestimate the power of these simple acts. Even when you feel discouraged and tired, be sure to bring encouragement. Create of culture of positive energy, high appreciation and hopeful optimism. God is with you, make sure your troops remember that.

9) CONNECT TO YOUR ENABLERS
Every organization (especially not-for-profits) have supporters who provide resources at a greater volume than the average donor. Although a leader should never esteem them as more valuable than those of lessor means, the leader must also recognize the key role they play in the organization’s ability to achieve its mission. Don’t assume your top supporters are connected, committed and cohesive. Be sure to tighten the bonds with those who enable your ministry, especially in times of crisis, uncertainty and financial decline. Remember, the enemy is not practicing social distancing and is actively seeking ways to pull your team apart.

10) CONTINUE EARNESTLY IN PRAYER
Don’t neglect your spiritual health. Crisis can be a season of stripping and refinement where God allows us to be isolated from the typical means of support we’ve relied upon for years. He’s reminding us that our strength is only in Him. Don’t pull back from prayer, lean into God. Study the Word. In times of crisis, more than ever, your people need a leader who hear from God and bring a in word in season from the Holy Spirit.

Never underestimate the impact of a leader’s influence in crisis. His or her presence, posture and poise of is crucial in times of crises. Leaders who meet disorder and disruption head on with clarity, focus and visibility will be distinguished by that crisis as men and women having trustworthy, competent leadership. But figure heads who are absent or silent in such times will not only promote distrust in the organization, they initiate their own eventual downfall. Do not fear crisis. Embrace it. Get in front of it. Take control of it. Recognize it as a natural, healthy cycle of growth. Although the crisis itself is not positive, by demonstrating healthy, intentional leadership, the organization can be made stronger, more cohesive and enduring.
 
An excerpt from Gregg Johnson’s book, Conflict, Crisis and Change.