Leading in Difficult Times

Leaders earn their money when things are not going so well

Of course, it isn't that difficult to be a leader when times are good. Leaders earn their money when things are not going so well--when income is falling, staff are not working well and are leaving and competitors are overtaking you. Changing strategy involves making significant changes and this can often make things worse before it makes things better.

At these times, people will be looking to you for reassurance that you are taking them on the right path. Indicators that you are off track include:

• Spending most of your time behind your closed office door
• Giving the impression of being indecisive or weak
• Sounding negative or unenthusiastic, or lacking in a sense of purpose

Indicators that you are on track include:

• Being approachable and visible to those you are leading
• Inspiring confidence in your ability amongst those you are leading
• Focusing on the context of any situation and adopting appropriate behaviors.

ACTION POINT: Look at leaders you admire and make a list of what you an learn from them.