Leading Through Chaos

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”  When Charles Dickens penned those words in 1859, he had no way to know he would be describing our world in 2020.

To say this is a unique time in history, is a massive understatement but with the chaos brought on by Covid-19, it is also a time of great opportunity.  The true metal of leadership is not known in the good times. True leadership is demonstrated in and through chaos.  In no way do I claim to have all the answers, but as I consider the impact of leadership in our world today, three essential elements come to mind.

A leader must REACT.  No one could have dreamed how quickly our world would change 3 weeks ago.  While leaders should plan for bad times, planning for the impossible is, well, impossible.  So a leader must react and react quickly.  Plan on the fly, determine your options, choose the best one but be willing to change.  One thing a leader can’t do, is nothing! Failure to act can become a calamity.  Your team needs you.  Your team is watching you and in this case, their very livelihoods depend on you.  Don’t get caught in fear of unknown. Take action and work to a solution.

A leader must ANTICIPATE.  Your plan won’t be perfect. Fine.  Anticipate what the next obstacle will be. Anticipate what impact there will be to those you lead. Anticipate the their fears, doubt and unbelief. Most importantly, anticipate their questions.  No one expects the leader to have all the answers. They do expect the leader to ask questions and then listen. Your aren’t in this alone. You have a team waiting to jump in and help. They just need you to lead with anticipation.  Anticipation you will get through. Anticipation your plan will work. Anticipation you will look back on lessons learn and be proud of how you led.

A leader must COMMUNICATE.  I’m not talking about cheerleading and platitudes. No, I’m talking about real, authentic communication.  In yesteryear, leaders were expected to be tough and show no emotion.  That ship capsized long ago.  Today, leaders are expected to be genuine.  It’s ok to show emotion, ok to show fear and uncertainty. Not ok to stay focused on them.  Be open with your team about your feelings and the enormity of your tasks but always communicate confidence!   Confidence in your plan. Confidence in your people and confidence together you will get through the chaos.

In times of chaos, too many leaders revert to a hierarchical style leadership.  Huge mistake!  Too often the leader has been too far removed from boots on the ground to have all the answers.  Chaos is a time to turn to your team, listen to your team and depend on your team. Give them your vision and let them execute.  You will be surprise what you all accomplish together.