Expert Article: "How to Lead in a Crisis"

Even before the current COVID-19 pandemic, there have always been two kinds of leaders: those who know how to lead in a crisis, and those who don't.

Many business and executive leaders don't have a crisis leadership plan in place.

However, in these times of extreme uncertainty, it's more important than ever for leaders to have a plan to manage and lead in a crisis. 

Leadership in a crisis is really a test of your ability to remain calm and to communicate during these uncertain times. 

The 3 C's of Crisis Leadership - How to Lead in a Crisis

1. Communication 
2. Customer and Community Support 
3. Remain Calm 

Communication  

There are two types of communication that leaders have to master, in order to successfully lead through a crisis.

The first form of communication is your communication with the world inside of you. 

The second form of communication is your communication with the world outside of you. 

Because this is true, clear communication comes down to two things.

The first is the quality of your communication with the world inside of you. 

The second is the quality of your communication with the world outside of you.  

Many leaders have mastered one form of communication, but not the other.

Yet if you only master one form of communication - the inner or the outer form -- your ability to lead in a crisis will be severely hindered.

This is why we focus on both internal and external communication.

Because if you only do one without the other, your success will be limited.

Customer and Community Support  

You've got to be able to support your customers and your community through these uncertain times. 

Because people everywhere are scared.

Showing empathy means that you understand what other people are going through in these difficult times.

However, that does not mean that "the customer is always right."

Because in truth, sometimes the customer is NOT right - especially in times of stress and crisis.

You, as the leader, have to communicate that sometimes the customer isn't right -- but that you have their best interests at heart.

That's another reason it's so important to communicate effectively with yourself and with the people around you. 

Remain Calm 

Easier said than done, I know.

Yet it all goes back to the quality of communication with the world inside of you. 

If your inner voice is panicking, then your outer communication will reflect that.

Doing mindfulness exercises like focused breathing, journaling, and using my AFFORMATIONS® Method can help you to remain calm during stressful times.

You'll see that there are numerous ways that you can improve the quality of your communication with the world inside of you -- which in turn will help you to improve your communication with the world outside of you -- which will help to lead through times of crisis.

Use these 3 C's of How to Lead in a Crisis to grow and prosper, even in these uncertain times.