Leadership in Uncertain times

No one seems to know what's going happen next, stressful? Yes.

However, if you are a leader and don't know what's going to happen next and  are expected to give directions to people; stressful ? You bet !!

Before we get to the leaders, what do you think happens to all of us when we face uncertainty? 

• Uncertainty causes fear
• The focus shifts from the Organization / community to Personal safety & security 
• Risk Aversion & low appetite for decisions unless things are clear 
• Stress 
• And most crucial, inability to see the big picture & a focus on smaller & smaller issues 

I think the two most critical ones are - Risk Aversion and Inability to see the big picture.

Most leaders see this. And this places added pressure on them to address the issue.

Given uncertain situations, Leaders tend to face different challenges

• Increased pressure to give decisions - when they are not sure themselves
• Clarify & communicate about the future 
• But, most crucial of all, they face their own Emotional leadership challenges of choosing what do they believe in.  

While all the 3 are vital in this, I would focus on the issue of Emotional Leadership.  This aspect is least understood, least articulated & arguably has maximum impact on Leadership performance.

  And this facet is the most powerful lever to understand the most critical & often hidden aspect of leadership. Emotional Leadership is the interplay of Emotional choice, Belief & Convictions and performance pressure. It is also quite simply, what happens in your mind when you have a difficult situation & are expected to do something about it.

Most leaders are expected to look strong, sure & decisive. Damn tough thing to do when you don't have a clue which way the world & your organization is headed. Welcome to the world of Emotional Leadership !!

Dealing with this issue is tough & there is no silver bullet. In my experience, a few things that work are:

• Talk to people about the issues that you are seeking to address
• If you have a core group of friends, advisers - seek their counsel & openly discuss your confusion & the lack of clear milestones around which to take decisions. This is best done with someone outside the immediate organization.
• Don't rush to decide - think & pause.  
• Articulate your point of view, talk a lot & tell people why you are taking the  decisions 
• Be flexible. 

However, the most important point is to realize, accept & e ok with the fact that you will not have all the answers. And its ok to be so.

  

 

Comments

[Sumeet Narang]

Sanjay, great start on your blog... I like the variety of subjects you have chosen.

I believe one powerful virtue of good leadership during uncertain times is honesty. People can see though facades. While everyone wants to have a strong and informed leader, being treated as mature and understanding is also a great motivator. During extremely uncertain times an honest front, even if less than the usual confident, can work wonders in getting the team together with a common cause - to see through the blues.... regards, Sumeet