Coaching Through a Crisis – PART TWO – Look Beyond Now!

As I continue to speak with business owners, existing clients or not, I am clearly sensing a universal initial response to this crisis: It can be hard to see beyond the overwhelm!

Think about it – you may be faced with the need to keep employees safe, manage productivity, protect revenue—or all three at once—in an environment that’s constantly changing. You may discover that your “crisis issues” point to things your business needed you to address a long time ago. But as I’ve said previously, even in crisis, there’s opportunity.

As the leader of your business, taking hold of that opportunity first falls to you. These are not easy leadership moments, but you have both the opportunity and the responsibility to serve and guide your people.

So here are a few keys:

1. You don’t have to have all the answers to lead.

Leading does not require you to have all the answers, or even know all the questions. What leadership asks is that you communicate and make decisions in a way that gives your people something to stand on.

2. Do not abandon your foundation.

When you built your company, you did it with some idea of what you wanted it to be, the values and brand you wanted your company to represent. Tap into that idea. Solid ground starts with that foundation, and whatever actions you take should reflect that idea. That’s the only way to be sure that you and your company operate with integrity.

3. Think like an Entrepreneur

An Entrepreneur always holds a long-term vision. As you develop a crisis management system, the big-picture context must be that this event will pass. Prepare your company for when circumstances return to a new normal. You’ll avoid making short-term reactive decisions and instead take strategic actions that set you up for the future.

4. Communicate, communicate, communicate!

During moments of instability, keep communicating with your employees, your customers, and your community. Your thoughtful, genuine voice builds stability and confidence.

If you feel alone, you’re not! Reach out…I’m here for you!

-Stephen