Leadership Skills in the Workplace
Maintaining Gains Made
LEADERSHIP BRIEFS
20 Leading Through the Tough Times
Objective
To be a stabilizing influence on employees in times of change and uncertainty. Lesson
It’s one thing for someone to manage when things are going smoothly and problems are manageable. The company is performing well and, all things considered, work is calm and stable.It’s another matter, however, when things aren’t going so well. When there is uncertainty, for example, the economy is in a downturn, the company is not meeting its goals, you are behind on a big project, or there is talk of the company being bought out, or a significant leadership change, these things make your job a lot more difficult. Change and uncertainty challenge even the best leaders. Questions for Discussion
- Think of a specific period of time that has been particularly hard for you as a leader. You had pressures or uncertainties yourself, and the mood of your employees was low. What was happening and how do you rate yourself as a leader during that period?
- When such times occur, as they inevitably will, what can you do as the leader to keep your employees calm and engaged?
Personal Actions If you need to improve the mood of your department, use the discussion today to help you identify one small action or behavior change you can institute that could improve the mood of your employees and help you lead through a tough time. Make a commitment to do this simple thing. Observe the results and report them to your group.
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