Effective Leadership When It Matters Most

With the increasing man-made and natural chaos happening across the globe, experiencing crisis is inevitable for people and organisations alike. Organisational leaders are expected to step up more and guide their people through the crisis they face.  Effective leaders maintain a level head during crises to steer their organisations back to health but not all leaders are up to the task. A study by Harvard Business School found that 30% of senior executives surveyed said they had "failed" or "miserably failed" when asked how they had handled a crisis in their organisation.

So what separates effective leaders from the rest? 

Here are some of the key qualities of effective leaders in crisis times.

1. Communication:

Communication is crucial for effective crisis management. Leaders need to know how to deliver their message effectively and succinctly without exacerbating the fear or confusion. They keep everyone informed about the issue and the measures being taken to fix it.

By embodying these qualities, Jacinda Ardern, prime minister of New Zealand has shown what it takes to be an effective leader in times of crisis. On March 21, 2022, when there were only 52 confirmed Covid-19 cases, she informed her fellow citizens about the government's planned measures during a live address to the nation. Her warning was straightforward: "These decisions will place the most significant restrictions on New Zealanders’ movements in modern history. But it is our best chance to slow the virus and to save lives." And it was empathetic: "Please be strong, be kind, and united against Covid-19".

Ardern was praised for her clear and consistent communication with the public throughout the crisis. She held regular press conferences where she provided updates on the latest developments and answered questions from reporters. Most importantly, she conveyed a sense of calm and confidence that instilled trust in the government's response.

While Ardern's leadership is exemplary of what it takes to be a true leader in times of adversity. When faced with a challenge, she was decisive, empathetic, and clear in her communication

2. Creativity:

In a rapidly changing marketplace or during an industry-wide crisis, creative  leaders make unconventional to take their organisations to the next level. 

One such leader was Steve Jobs of Apple. At the time, Apple was struggling to sell its products and was on the verge of going under. Jobs realised that he needed to do something different to save the company. He decided to focus on design and innovation, and it paid off. Apple released a series of groundbreaking products, like the iPhone and iPad, which made it the most valuable company in the world.

Jobs' creativity and willingness to take risks saved Apple from certain doom, and it's a great example of how leaders can use their creativity to benefit their companies during times of crisis. 

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3.Adaptability: 

The ability to adapt is one of the most important qualities a leader can possess. In times of crisis, leaders need to be able to adjust their plans and strategies to best meet the needs of their team and organisation. A leader who can adapt quickly and effectively can make all the difference in a difficult situation.

One example of a leader who was adaptive during a crisis is former General Motors CEO, Mary Barra. When Barra took over as CEO in 2014, GM was facing recalls for faulty ignition switches that were linked to over 100 deaths. Barra was quick to take responsibility for the situation and launched an investigation into what had happened. She also made changes to GM's recall process to ensure that something like this would never happen again. As a result of Barra's leadership, GM was able to navigate the crisis and emerge stronger.

Adaptability is a key leadership trait, and it can help leaders steer their organisations through difficult times. In today's rapidly-changing world, being adaptable is more important than ever for leaders. Crises can strike at any time, and leaders need to be prepared to face them head-on. Those who are adaptable and can think on their feet will be the ones who come out ahead when adversity strikes.

How leaders navigate challenges, especially in times of crisis will have a lasting impact on the people. Effective leaders communicate the crisis clearly to all, adopt creativity to resolve the challenges, and adapt their strategies toward overcoming the crisis.