3 Things Every CEO Must Do To Lead Well In Challenging Times
In today’s continually challenging marketplace filled with uncertainty and exhaustion—people expect leaders to give them information, reassurance, and a plan. Yet, in times like the ones we are living, those three things are difficult to deliver. However, I’ve come to believe that no matter the crisis you find yourself leading through, your organization will benefit if you follow these three principles:
People Want to Be Led
We all understand the simple premise that no group accomplishes much if no one is in charge. But now more than ever, people are looking for direction and for someone who has the power to do what they cannot. They need their leader to assume part of their burden. The work-from-home model has exaggerated the issue even more.
Discipline is an act of love. Your employees may not like accountability, expected behaviors or process follow-up, but they are unknowingly starving for it—because discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.
Developing a governance and scorecard process to easily track progress and performance is a necessity that many try to avoid, but when put in place, you’ll see it as the key to driving both alignment and teamwork. Eliminate distractions and prioritize a disciplined, focused process that ensures accountability.
Defining expected behaviors tells all employees that the “how” is greater than the “what”. All companies are metric driven, but “how” you get work done sets the tone for culture. Individual performance is important, but values and norms are what really matters. Be okay with someone who has no idea how to solve a problem they encounter but show no tolerance for the ones who violate values and expected behaviors.
Leaders Exist To Make Decisions
Deciding is the most fundamental task for any leader, yet often the most difficult. Too often leaders are paralyzed by a perceived lack of information or a fear of the unknown. You might not always be 100% right, but executing a good plan is always better than missing an opportunity because you were too afraid to act.
In today’s environment, organizations accept that major decisions must be made quickly. I like the model “Debate-Decide-Deliver”. A good decision should be debated; but CEOs need to make decisions quickly—that can be debated later. Keep focused on what you can control, not on what you can’t control while keeping an eye on what you can influence and improve.
Leadership decisions might be made with incomplete information, but don’t let that stop you from making quick, firm decisions. Fear nothing and attack everything—preparation breeds confidence and confidence infuses courage.
Remember, ambiguity is the enemy of execution. Align each decision with your long-term organizational vision and core convictions and you’ll be able to boldly adapt during times of uncertainty, ultimately making great decisions for your organization.
Effective Strategy Requires Reality and Hope
People hunger for the unvarnished truth about their organization, and they can sense evasion a mile away. Rely on facts and data. You cannot manage secrets; thus, honesty and transparency are fundamental.
It is imperative to bridge the gap between your organization’s current reality and envisioned future. Be sure to explain how your strategic bets tie into the long-term organizational vision so that your employees are on board with the goals that their work contributes to. Communication should be consistent and relentless—continually remind everyone that you are journeying together so that you can align and execute well.
Communicate the plan as a challenge that can be met, not as a disaster that must be endured. Effective leaders never make a promise that can’t be kept without 110% certainty which gives employees realistic reasons for hope. Spark energy by communicating a compelling vision that everyone understands and trusts—creating safety. Uncertainty, gossip, and a lack of engagement are all rooted in insufficient communication.
You must believe in your people first. If you are unable to build a team characterized by honest communication, trust, respect, and genuine engagement, you will get nowhere, no matter how great your strategy. Leadership is about building the capability of your team.
Communicating an inspiring vision, trusting and valuing your team, and welcoming transparent feedback within the organization are vital to building a healthy company culture—which becomes your competitive advantage.
Lead your organization with healthy accountability, quick and smart decisions, and hope-filled reality and you will see results despite uncertainty.
Align Your Team To Vision
Create a movement within your organization by inspiring everyone with a compelling vision that increases engagement, drives strategy, and delivers short and long-term results.
If you’d like to learn more about working with one of our CEO Mentors, schedule a call with us today! At Building Champions, we create customized coaching engagements that focus on both the beliefs and behaviors of great leadership. We guide leaders, teams, and organizations to be healthy and high-performing so they can have a greater impact on everyone they serve.