Today more than ever, leaders need resilience. Due to the pandemic, the world and the economy are suddenly upside down. Millions of jobs, along with people’s life savings, are being lost. Those fortunate enough to still have a job are left with more responsibilities and a lot of uncertainties.
A recent article from Harvard Business Review suggests there is a growing clamor is for more responsible and caring C-suites. “Perhaps, just perhaps, our future will be shaped by a kind of reverse Darwinism: survival of the kindest and most benevolent, rather than the most ferocious and self-obsessed.”
For most companies, the full effect of the pandemic is still to be experienced. Leadership will have to go through the heartbreaking decisions of laying off some of their staff, knowing how hard it likely will be for them to find a new position during the worst recession of our lifetime.
Leaders will need to rise above the fray and offer hope and genuine concern to those they are letting go. It is by authentically showing appreciation and empathy that leaders have the power to transform one of the worst moments in someone’s life into one they might remember as a rich human interaction, giving them dignity, hope, and courage.
Leaders know that about 90% of communication is non-verbal. Moods and emotions are contagious, so a leader must be able to be emotionally aware, manage their mood, and maintain an upbeat, positive attitude.
Leaders need to be resilient not only for themselves but also for others, including the team members who have kept their jobs and are now filling the gaps and are scrambling to complete the additional tasks left by the people that had to be let go.
A naïve leader will start working longer hours and set the pace, creating a lot of busyness, little productivity, and an environment where people are likely to burnout. A more experienced leader will show empathy and strive to create an environment where the team members can do their best while respecting the fine balance between life and work.
Learn more about the power of mindfulness and the art of resilience.
