If this past year has taught us anything, leaders need to be more intentional in “showing up” for their team.
People are looking to their leaders to guide them. To help them cope with their fears and uncertainty. And they want their leaders to show them how to look towards the future of things feeling okay again.
So how do we do this when we are feeling the weight of uncertainty on our shoulders also? How can we work to bring out the best in ourselves and our teams so that we all come out better on the other side?
Take a look within. The world, and business, is more about people and human relations than ever before. And the surefire way to help build a better and brighter future is to focus on character and integrity as we find our way through this crisis to come out on the other side.
Be Trustworthy: Honest, Predictable, Authentic
While you can’t control the circumstances around you, you can control yourself and your actions. Your team is looking to you to pave the way, and if they believe you doubt yourself and your decisions, it weakens their trust in you, and without trust, there is fear. No one can work well under the premise of fear, fear of what their leader will or will not do when push comes to shove. Your team wants to know that they can trust you to do what is right, no matter the uncertainty.
Be Compassionate: Care About Your People
If people feel like their wellbeing is not important to their leaders and managers, the likelihood of being fully engaged in their work is slim. It is time to show your people that you care, not about results, but about them. Leading from the heart rather than the head is what many are looking for more than ever. Ask more questions, listen intently, and share your own stories – people need human connection more than ever. Remember that vulnerability is the new leadership superpower it does not make you less than to show it.
Be Hopeful: Hold Steadfast To Being Optimistic For The Future
There is no denying that this past year has thrown us every curveball most of us couldn’t have even have imagined. More times than not, it would be easy to seek solace in despair. But we must be leading from a place of hope for what is to come. Being hopeful doesn’t mean you do not recognize the reality of what is – it is about recognizing that though these current times are ugly, like all things, this too shall pass, and we will prevail. It is about being courageous in how you lead, how you look to the future. It is about thinking outside of the box when it comes to adversity and challenges.
Foster a sense of hope for your team. Encourage growth and collaboration and pave the way for innovative thinking so that when you do come out on the other side, you can look back with admiration of all that you overcame and persevered through – as a team.
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We still have a long road ahead of us, but what we do now will determine the look of our futures. What do you want to see when we get through this?
“All men have fears, but the brave put down their fears and go forward.” –Dale Carnegie
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