In any company, it's easy to forget that behind every success and challenge is a team of dedicated people. When the company faces a crisis, these employees feel the impact deeply—they worry about the company's future, their job security, and the public's perception of the organization they work for. In these moments of uncertainty, employees turn to their leaders for guidance and reassurance. When they are led by the right people, they find the confidence to stay focused and contribute to overcoming the crisis.
This is when true leadership is tested. In times of crisis, when everything seems uncertain and the stakes are high, certain leaders stand out as beacons of stability and support. These are the leaders worth following—those who can guide their teams through tough times with confidence, decisiveness, and genuine care. But what exactly makes a leader worth following during a crisis? And how can you develop these traits in yourself? This article explores the seven key traits of a leader worth following in times of crisis and provides actionable steps to help you cultivate these qualities.
1. Leading by Example
Leaders who model resilience set a powerful example for their teams. When you demonstrate resilience by staying calm and focused, even when the going gets tough, your team is more likely to follow suit. Resilient leaders don’t crumble under pressure; they adapt, find solutions, and keep moving forward.
Why It’s Important: In a crisis, setbacks are inevitable. By showing resilience, you set the tone for how your team should respond to challenges. When you quickly bounce back from obstacles, you show your team that challenges are temporary and can be overcome, encouraging them to adopt the same mindset
How to Develop It: Cultivate resilience by embracing a growth mindset and turning setbacks into learning opportunities. When faced with an issue, focus on finding solutions rather than assigning blame. Demonstrate to your team that addressing the problem and preventing future occurrences is the priority. As you lead by example, your team will begin to mirror this approach, becoming more resilient and solution-focused themselves.
2. Decisiveness
In a crisis, decisions often need to be made quickly and under pressure. Decisive leaders are able to analyze the situation, weigh the options, and make the best possible decision with the information available. Their confidence in making tough calls helps keep the team moving forward.
Why It’s Important: Indecision can paralyze a team and exacerbate a crisis. A decisive leader provides direction, which is crucial for maintaining momentum and avoiding further complications.
How to Develop It: Improve your decision-making skills by practicing in low-stakes situations. Get comfortable with making decisions quickly by setting time limits for yourself when evaluating options. Trust your instincts and experience, and don’t be afraid to make a decision—even if it’s not perfect. After making a decision, be willing to accept feedback and adjust your course if necessary.
3. Empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. In times of crisis, an empathetic leader recognizes the emotional and psychological toll the situation may be taking on their team. They listen, offer support, and make decisions that take their team’s well-being into account.
Why It’s Important: Crises can be stressful and overwhelming for everyone involved. A leader who shows empathy fosters a supportive environment where team members feel understood and valued, which boosts morale and productivity.
How to Develop It: Practice active listening. When a team member expresses concerns or fears, listen without interrupting, and acknowledge their feelings. Show genuine interest in their well-being and ask how you can help. Regularly check in with your team, not just on their work progress but also on how they’re coping personally. Consider how your decisions will impact your team, and strive to balance achieving business objectives with maintaining team morale.
4. Transparency
Transparency means being open and honest with your team, even when the news isn’t good. A transparent leader shares information about the crisis, explains the rationale behind decisions, and sets realistic expectations. This openness helps to build trust, reduce uncertainty, and keep everyone focused.
Why It’s Important: In a crisis, rumors and misinformation can spread quickly, leading to confusion and fear. Transparency helps everyone stay on the same page and reassures the team that they have the information they need to navigate the situation.
How to Develop It: Make a habit of communicating openly and regularly with your team. Share updates, even when the news is difficult. Explain your decisions so the team understands the reasons behind your actions. Encourage open dialogue, where team members feel comfortable asking questions and expressing concerns. While transparency doesn’t mean sharing everything, it does mean being honest and straightforward about what you do share.
5. Calm Under Pressure
As a leader in a crisis, you may have many eyes on you, watching how you respond and judge your decisions. Leaders who remain calm under pressure demonstrate confidence in themselves, their decisions, and their teams. This calmness provides a sense of stability and assurance, preventing the situation from spiraling out of control.
Why It’s Important: Panic is contagious, but so is calm. A leader who stays composed under pressure helps keep the team focused and reduces anxiety, allowing everyone to think more clearly and act more effectively.
How to Develop It: Practice stress-management techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or regular physical activity to stay centered during stressful situations. Maintain a calm demeanor even when you’re feeling stressed inside. When faced with high-pressure situations, take a moment to breathe, assess the situation, and respond thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively. Remember that as a leader, your team looks to you for cues on how to react.
6. Adaptability
Adaptability is the ability to change course when circumstances demand it. In a crisis, rigid plans often need to be adjusted or abandoned altogether. An adaptable leader is flexible and can pivot strategies quickly in response to new information or changes in the situation.. If one course of action doesn't turn out as intended, they need to be able to pivot and find another path forward quickly. Any delays or missteps can reflect negatively on the company or the team and further hinder the problem.
Why It’s Important: Crises are unpredictable, and what worked yesterday might not work today. An adaptable leader ensures that the team can respond to changing circumstances effectively and keeps the organization moving forward.
How to Develop It: Embrace change as a constant part of leadership. Practice being open to new ideas and approaches, even if they deviate from the original plan. Encourage your team to suggest alternative strategies and solutions when challenges arise. Reflect on past experiences where you successfully adapted to change, and apply those lessons to new situations. Stay informed about the evolving situation and be willing to adjust your approach as needed.
7. Optimism
Optimism doesn’t mean ignoring the reality of a crisis; rather, it’s about maintaining a positive outlook and focusing on solutions. An optimistic leader inspires hope and encourages their team to see beyond the immediate challenges to the possibilities ahead.
Why It’s Important: Optimism is a powerful motivator. In times of crisis, it helps the team stay motivated and focused on overcoming obstacles. A leader who believes in a positive outcome inspires their team to work towards that outcome with renewed energy and determination.
How to Develop It: Cultivate a habit of looking for the silver lining in challenging situations. Focus on what can be done rather than what’s going wrong. Share your positive outlook with your team by celebrating small victories and progress, no matter how minor. Encourage your team to adopt a solutions-oriented mindset and to see challenges as opportunities for growth. Surround yourself with positive influences and seek out stories of resilience and success to reinforce your optimistic mindset.
8. Strong Communication
Effective communication is crucial during a crisis. One of the most frustrating experiences for employees is a lack of timely and clear communication from leadership. When leaders delay addressing issues or fail to communicate transparently, it breeds uncertainty and distracts people from their work. Leaders who excel in communication promptly address the situation, provide regular updates, and offer clear, actionable instructions to guide their teams through the crisis.
Why It’s Important: In a crisis, clear and consistent communication reassures your team and helps them stay focused. It prevents misunderstandings and ensures that everyone is aligned with the plan to resolve the issue.
How to Develop It: Practice delivering clear and concise messages, even in high-pressure situations. Make it a habit to update your team regularly, even if there are no new developments. Pay attention not just to what you say, but how you say it—confidence and honesty are key to gaining your team’s trust. Encourage open dialogue, and be responsive to questions and concerns, ensuring your team feels informed and supported.
9. Integrity
Integrity is the cornerstone of effective leadership, especially in a crisis. It can be tempting to take the easy way out, whether that means shifting blame, concealing problems, or avoiding tough decisions. However, a leader with integrity chooses to act in the best interests of the company and the team, even if it comes at a personal cost. This means taking accountability for mistakes, being honest about the situation, and making decisions that reflect your values.
Why It’s Important: Integrity builds trust. In a crisis, employees need to believe in their leader’s honesty and commitment to doing what’s right. A leader who acts with integrity earns the respect and loyalty of their team, making it easier to navigate through difficult times.
How to Develop It: Always prioritize honesty and accountability in your actions. If a mistake is made, own up to it and focus on solutions rather than assigning blame. Make decisions that reflect your core values, even when it’s difficult. Demonstrate through your actions that you’re committed to the well-being of the company and your team, and your integrity will inspire others to follow your lead.
10. Strategic Influence
In a crisis, a leader’s ability to wield strategic influence is crucial. This means not only having a clear vision but also the capability to rally others around it. A leader with strategic influence can guide their team and key stakeholders toward a common goal, even when the path is uncertain. They know how to communicate the broader purpose, align efforts, and drive the organization forward. Without strong influence, even the most dedicated teams can feel frustrated when their hard work doesn’t translate into real progress or impact because their leader lacks the ability to advocate for them or move initiatives forward.
Why It’s Important: Strategic influence ensures that the hard work and efforts of your team are recognized, supported, and effectively channeled towards achieving the desired outcomes. When a leader can’t influence key decisions or gain necessary support, it can demoralize the team and make their efforts feel futile, leading to frustration and disengagement.
How to Develop It: Strengthen your strategic influence by honing your ability to articulate a clear vision that resonates with both your team and key stakeholders. Build and nurture strong relationships with decision-makers, and actively seek their input and buy-in to create a sense of shared ownership. Practice influencing others through persuasion and by demonstrating the tangible benefits of following your strategy. By becoming a leader who can effectively advocate for your team and navigate complex organizational dynamics, you ensure that your team’s hard work leads to real, impactful results, keeping them motivated and engaged even in the toughest times.
The Path to Leading Confidently in a Crisis
Becoming a leader worth following in times of crisis doesn’t happen overnight. It requires intentional effort and a commitment to personal growth. Here’s how you can accelerate your learning:
Self-Reflection and Awareness: Take time to reflect on your current leadership style and identify areas where you can improve. Consider how you’ve handled past crises and what you could have done differently.
Continuous Learning: Invest in your development by seeking out learning opportunities, whether through formal education, reading, or mentorship.
Practice Under Pressure: Put yourself in situations that challenge your leadership skills, or put you out of your comfort zone. This could be leading a complex project or taking an assignment overseas.
Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback from your team, peers, and mentors. Understanding how others perceive your leadership can help you make adjustments and grow.
Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with other leaders who can offer advice, support, and perspective. A strong network can provide the encouragement you need to keep growing and improving.
Conclusion
In times of crisis, the qualities that make a leader worth following are more crucial than ever. By developing resilience, decisiveness, empathy, transparency, calmness under pressure, adaptability, and optimism, you equip yourself to lead your team through even the toughest challenges. Leadership in a crisis goes beyond making the right decisions—it’s about earning trust, offering unwavering support, and maintaining a clear and steady vision for the future. As you cultivate these traits, you not only become the kind of leader your team needs, but you also empower them to face crises with confidence and resolve. Remember, developing these qualities takes time and intentional effort, so be patient with yourself as you grow into the leader your team can depend on.
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