Unfortunately, leaders cannot hit the pause
button during times of uncertainty. Now, more than ever, employees
expect their leaders to be clear, honest, transparent, and
anticipatory.
While the natural inclination for many
leaders in times of crisis is to be in command-and-control mode to make
urgent decisions quickly, it is equally important to actively involve
people in discussions and decisions whenever possible.
Crisis creates a wonderful opportunity for
leaders to explicitly model and reference values that matter most, meet
people where they are, and most of all listen.
Goals and Accountabilities Matter More
During Times of Uncertainty
Good leaders create clarity during times of
uncertainty; bad leaders allow ambiguity, misalignment, and frustration.
Even without a crisis, 42% of workers across
every gender, age group, and function rated “having unclear goals” as their
top source of stress – almost three times higher than having a “bad
manager.”
When Goals and Accountabilities Are Unclear
During a Crisis
Ambiguity makes it challenging for employees
to feel confident about what matters most, to know how they are doing, and
to understand when to seek help.
Unclear goals and accountabilities during a
crisis directly lead to ...
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