Leadership is service. How will you serve in a time of crisis?
Circumstances
I am among those who have called for freedom rather than government intervention in dealing with the pandemic. Free people respond to problems and solve them. Government serves itself and special interests, exploiting fear, stealing freedom, and usually making problems worse.
Governments around the world, not the virus, are killing economies, causing unnecessary suffering and, ultimately, unnecessary deaths. Leaders in many countries now have to cope with both the pandemic and a threatened economy.
When I refer to leaders, I mean those in businesses and non-profit entities, not politicians. Politicians coerce; leaders persuade.
The pandemic is not, contrary to the common claim, “unprecedented.” Nor is government’s suffocation of the economy. And people have always faced adversity, often much worse than what we confront today.
Efforts by individuals and organizations to provide aid are worthy. But what we need is to resume the production of goods and the provision of services. These activities meet needs, create wealth, and provide employment.
Survival is the immediate need for many organizations. Even these can prepare now to thrive in better days.
Principles
I know of leading in a time of crisis. And I know, too, of surviving a nightmare.
Here are thoughts that may be helpful — fifteen fundamental principles. These apply at any time and are crucial now.
A crisis calls for leadership, strong, wise, and mature.
1. Lead by example, inspiring the best in others.
2. Share a vision, one of higher purpose.
3. Remain calm, and thus stronger.
4. Demonstrate courage, overcoming any fear.
5. Accept responsibility, embracing the challenges.
6. Display dignity and treat others with dignity, honoring their worth.
7. Collaborate with the leaders who report to you, working as a team.
8. Communicate regularly, sharing goals and progress.
9. Connect with, listen to, and express appreciation to staff, customers or clients, and suppliers, individually and collectively.
10. Show compassion for those who suffer, listening, offering hope, and assisting as needed.
11. Express humor, a source of joy and perspective.
12. Be creative, rejecting conformity.
13. Enable your organization to adapt as necessary, innovate as possible, and strive for improvement.
14. Seek opportunities for growth, sowing seeds that will later bear fruit.
15. Be decisive, doing what is necessary, acting with thought and care.
Legacy
Do your best now. You will have no regrets. And your leadership in a time of crisis will help others lead when their time comes.
Let your leadership now be part of your legacy.
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In “Ten Years Later: Mourn the Losses, Damn the State” (September 11, 2011), I relate my experience in the aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attack.
In the “I Survived” series (beginning December 10, 2017), I recount enduring and dealing with a home invasion. The final parts, IX and X, have been hibernating — and will emerge.
