Leading with the Heart

March 28, 2020

By Lorie Pope

I want to touch base with you regarding the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, and its impact on you, our nation, and our world. These unprecedented times present unique opportunities for all of us. 

Here is a great definition of a crisis:  when you can’t say “Let’s forget the whole thing.”  While last week was about making sense of COVID-19, this week is a time of adjustment and sudden change. Some of us are adjusting to a new workspace, new family members joining our workspace because of working at home, and a new way to lead and be a team virtually in a time of many unknowns.  

Despite the immediate and unforeseen impact on our institutions, schools, businesses, and way of life, there is hope.  While there is nothing that sounds ideal about being “shut-in” because of the restrictions or the guidelines now in place, there is opportunity for growth and real leadership during this time.  Others are counting on us to ‘show up’ with encouragement, emotional elasticity and being genuine.  Reach out to others…technology is a huge blessing!

I love this quote…and it applies to each one of us during this time:

“All of the great leaders have had one characteristic in common: it was the willingness to confront unequivocally the major anxiety of their people in their time.”  — John Kenneth Galbraith

Thoughtfully think of how you are able to be supportive of others during this transition as best you can, recognizing you are also being bombarded with information while navigating your own emotions and environment.  If you are able to let others know that you are available to talk about the issues — or just “talk” because they are tired of being isolated.  If you can’t answer someone at the moment, let them know you heard and will get back to them as soon as possible (and do).

This week we’re asking ourselves the question: “What is one thing we can do right now to help our team the most during this current reality?”  The answer seems obvious…provide resources that can be used right away as well as provide encouragement.  

Thoughts to reflect on:
During Tough Times, Leaders…

1. Face Reality
2. See the Big Picture
3. Make Good Choices
4. Develop a Plan
5. Learn from Their Problems