It’s easy to be a leader when things are going well. In fact, it can be downright awesome. But what about when times are tough?
With the current state of the world, the global threat of Coronavirus and the uncertainty of the economy, it’s important that those who lead, lead in a way that will keep people on track and help them stay as positive and productive as is possible.
Here are eight things you can do to help your team through the tough times:
1. True Grit
Grit is defined as courage, resolve, and strength of character, but the final blend of those characteristics yields a quality that’s perhaps best summarized by one word: toughness. Good leaders hold the team together in tough times by staying committed to the battle.
2. Optimism
While grit mainly relates to the present, optimism is a component of leadership that looks to the future. A leader who has a positive view of the outcome is creating a mental framework for the team to pull through, because they foster the belief that something great is on the other side.
3. Pragmatism
While a leader needs to be gritty and optimistic, they also need to be practical, using intelligence and common sense to navigate their way through the given situation. Having rose-colored glasses for the future is great, but having them on as you look at the present can lead to costly mistakes.
4. Selflessness
A bad leader will try to save their own skin, but a good captain goes down with the ship — because he makes sure crew members get off first (that said, he doesn’t necessarily have to go down with the ship).
5. Resolution
Tough times are ripe for dissension and mutiny, but a good leader holds command. Sometimes you have to show tough love and put the proverbial boot down when members of the team start talking smack. They’ll thank you later.
6. Encouragement
A good leader encourages the team during a tough time to help them find the drive to make it through. Sometimes encouragement can be as simple as wandering around the group, patting some backs, and giving smiles or friendly words.
7. Preparedness
A good leader never finds their team unexpectedly thrust into bad times without some prior preparation. A good leader has a plan to cover all the possibilities, and knows what to do if things don’t go exactly the way they were hoping.
8. Bravery
Fear can undermine the entire mission, whether the war is on a battlefield, a sporting field, or the sales floor. A good leader is brave and inspires his team with that bravery.
When times are tough, the leaders who last and who help their teams succeed are the ones who possess these eight qualities.
About the Author
Heidi Richards Mooney is an author, professional speaker, business coach, and internet marketer. She has been networking online since early 2001. She is the author of a dozen WordPress blogs and contributes to Thrive Global, Medium, and dozens of other publications. Among her dozens of awards, Heidi was inducted into the South Florida Women’s Hall of Fame in 2005, and in 2015, Cision named her one of 50 Rich Media Influencers to follow. You can learn more about her and visit her website at https://redheadmarketinginc.com.
