Leading In Uncertain Times

by Kathy Cooperman

Here we are, another month into the pandemic. Most Americans (in fact, most humans) are still experiencing uncertainty, isolation, and fear of the unknown.

Rate Your Leadership
Undoubtedly, you and your team have suffered through this change like few other events in the past. Over the past several weeks, how would you rate yourself on the following leadership behaviors that are critical during times of extreme change?

1. Handling stress.
2. Managing negativity.
3. Finding inspiration.

1. Handling Stress
a. It’s normal to feel increased stress when you face an insurmountable obstacle that is beyond your control. Emotions can easily slip into overdrive as you attempt to juggle:
- Confined living conditions.
- 24/7 exposure to family or housemates.
- Separation from workplace and co-workers.
- Fear of business downturn or failure.
- Fear of illness for yourself and family.

b. How do you respond? To what extent have you experienced (in the past several weeks):
- Panic.
- Lashing out.
- Anger.
- Berating yourself and/or others.
- Shutting down or withdrawing from conversations.

c. Helpful hints:
- Committing to improvement is key. Proven techniques to overcome the unhealthy responses include:
- Deep breathing.
- Mindfulness techniques.
- Walking (especially outdoors, taking in nature).
- Keeping a journal.
- Talk therapy (with a therapist of even a trusted friend via phone, Facetime, Zoom, etc.)

2. Managing Negativity
a. In general, how do you see yourself?
- Glass half full.
- Glass half empty.

b. During crises, you may lean toward the doom and gloom mindset. You turn on the TV and hear non-stop reports of new Covid-19 cases and the new daily death-toll across the country and around the world.
c. Remember, those you lead are looking to you for inspiration. While it may seem impossible to be optimistic right now, research shows that optimism can be developed and nurtured—even during times like these. Martin Seligman, the founder of Positive Psychology, argues that you can cultivate a positive outlook. By having a more optimistic perspective, people realize greater health benefits, higher motivation and performance, and enhanced career success.

3. Finding Inspiration
a. As you prepare to rebuild your business, be sure to prepare to rebuild yourself. If you’re having trouble doing so, look around and find examples of leaders who are finding uncommon ways to thrive during uncertainty.
b. Take time to research great leaders who overcame seemingly impossible odds:
- Nelson Mandela.
- Winston Churchill.
- Leonardo da Vinci.
- Steve Jobs.
- Jane Goodall.
- Who are the heroes in your own organization or industry who faced great obstacles and left a positive mark?

In Summary
Be kind to yourself. Being a leader during this pandemic may be one of the most difficult jobs you’ll ever have. Take time to stay healthy, focus on the positive, and look for inspiration. You are an inspiration to others!

For help with leading change or online learning, contact Kathy Cooperman, KC Leadership Consulting, LLC, kathy@kathycooperman.com, 1 (866) 303-1996.