Welcome to the new world.
COVID-19 has changed nearly everything in the last couple of weeks: sporting events are canceled, grocery stores are threadbare, schools are on extended closures, gatherings of 50 or more are not recommended, and restaurants, bars, gyms, and other popular hangout spots and events are being closed down.
However, in this vast sea of change, it seems that the only thing that hasn’t changed (yet) is the millions of workers trudging into work, shell-shocked from endless news updates and new CDC guidelines. Businesses are struggling to stay afloat, striving for business-as-usual in a climate that says nothing is normal. And in the middle of everything stands the leader, striving to keep spirits high and productivity as close to normal.
Now, for some leaders, this is a terrifying time, and rightfully so! There is no handbook for dealing with a pandemic at work, so nearly everyone is making it up as they go. However, for the transformational leader, this is the time to shine.
Leading Through Engagement
Transformational leaders are leaders who engage with their followers over simply controlling them. They focus on providing for higher order intrinsic needs by utilizing things employee engagement, vision, mission, and culture to drive results. Transformational leadership is proactive, relational, and communal, and calls for leaders to invest in the success of their people.
If you’ve been doing these things as a leader, you are more than ready to weather the storm. In fact, in times of crisis, the transformational leader has the unique opportunity and platform to make significant progress in their organization. It may not be fully realized until the crisis has been abated, but by doing the following 5 things, you can make an appreciable difference in your organization and for your people:
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