Well, a lot.
Many workplaces have seen a fundamental change in how they work, with remote working arrangements allowing continuity where business once might have stalled. Some leaders are observing improved productivity from staff in exchange for greater flexibility on how, where and when they work. Conversely, some teams have struggled to develop cohesion and group dynamics, having never met their teammates in person.
Amidst this change, looking ahead, what is important for a crisis team leader?
1. TRUST
The pandemic has provided a long-running case study of the importance of establishing trust. Without trust, your decisions, no matter how authentic, robust and logical will not be supported by your audience. Where trust was lacking within a community, disorder prevailed. History will remind us of how this varied within the community and where trust was lacking disorder prevailed.
The 2021 Edelman Trust Barometer revealed widespread mistrust of societal institutions and leaders around the world.
Interestingly business gained trust while government, NGO's and media all declined. Importantly for leaders, the data shows trust is localised, with people more likely to trust their employer over state or national leaders.
We will explore trust further in our next blog.
2. INTEGRITY
The importance of integrity to Australians has just played out on the federal election stage. All over the country, communities of voters sent a strong message to all sides of politics that integrity was paramount; and a lack of it would not go unnoticed.
Displaying integrity needn’t be difficult. By being clear on your values, saying what you mean and doing what you say, any person can lead with integrity.
So how do so many get it wrong? Over-promising or telling people what they want to hear is one way. Pretending to be someone you are not is another. The link between authenticity and integrity is clear: A leader’s words and actions must align.
3. HOPE
Have you noticed how many people seem flat, following the pandemic? It is little wonder: We have emerged from a protracted international health event, which took significant courage and resilience to get through. On top of this was ever-present media reporting and leaders reinforcing that circumstances were dire and worsening. At times there seemed little hope…
Across human history hope has been at the heart of stories of overcoming hardship, from communities striving for societal change to families fleeing conflict zones to start over in new places. Today we see Ukrainian's living in hope of returning to and rebuilding their country in the future.
Hope brings people together. When fostered by leaders, hope brings all your staff and stakeholders together in a united vision of the future.
Trust. Integrity. Hope. The characteristics that will see crisis leaders succeed.
We can assist with an audit of your people, plans and systems to ensure you are up to date and ready should a crisis happen.
Contact us at office@crisisshield.com.au or call 0417 160 120.