The world has been facing a challenging time as of late. Many changes to the ways we work and do business have brought about the need to adjust. We’ve had to be flexible and adapt workplaces and processes to meet the demands of a worldwide pandemic. “Change leadership” is an essential skill for any leader, and it presents the opportunity for a business to evolve and even improve in the face of difficulty.
Four key skills associated with change leadership
If you’re a leader who is feeling the stress of our brave new world, you’re not alone. But the good news is that many skills that will help you navigate challenging times are easily learned through practice. Consider the following four top skills of gifted leaders:
- During crises such as COVID-19, employees may feel afraid and unsure, and they’re looking for a source of guidance and hope. As their leader, you can put their minds at ease by projecting confidence—in other words, being a constant reminder that “everything is going to be OK, and here’s how.” Rather than focusing on problems, focus on solutions. Own your processes and next steps, and always be accountable.
- In uncertain times, employees don’t want anything left to their imaginations—and you can avoid any panic that might ensue when people are left to spin their wheels in the face of the unknown. Instead, be upfront and explain the inner workings of how the company is addressing a situation, why, and what’s next. Provide information as quickly and frequently as possible and necessary, even if it’s just an update to say— “We’re working on it.”
- One of the hallmarks of any great leader is a clear understanding of the talents possessed by those in your charge. Delegation not only helps you get more done quickly, but it also sends the message to your employees that you trust them, even in the time of a crisis. And this builds loyalty within your workforce.
- A positive attitude is the only kind that works during a challenging time. Embrace difficulty as an opportunity to learn and grow within your company—and you may just see it’s contagious among your employees. Great leaders are a source of positive energy regardless of what they’re tackling.
Seek help when you need it
No leader can do everything by themselves. It’s 100 percent appropriate to reach out for help or guidance when you need it.
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