Uncertainty refers to situations where human beings lack information about the when, how or why an event occurs. It affects our rational thinking and intensifies our emotions. Sometimes due to uncertainty, positive events feel more positive, but the negative events that make us feel uncertain, feel more negative. It is nearly impossible to escape from the unending stream of global unrest and financial upheaval.
It is necessary to bridge the difference between ‘leading’ and ‘managing’. Many organizations need leaders who are visibly involved, making sure that their organizations’ vision is being translated into concrete sensible plans, and programs are being followed thoroughly. And yet, in extraordinary times people turn to their leaders for guidance & reassurance more than ever before.
What can help employees in an organization cope with what has happened and what is to come?
Following are 6 skills that a leader should follow to be successful:
- Creator Instinct: This refers to a leader being able to build, drive and grow things, by connecting to others in the process. It includes the ability to be able to use one’s creativity to redesign plans, not sticking to the stereotypes and connecting with their employees in enhancing the organizations’ visions. The leaders with creator instinct instil this energy of hope and commitment in them along with their co-workers.
- Constructive Depolarizing: A term coined by Bob Johansen, is the ability to remain calm in difficult tense situations. In situations like this, where there is no guarantee of anything, a leader should be able to acknowledge the downsides of their employees’ emotions and be human towards them. A leader should be able to take in different perspectives and look for opportunities that could resolve conflicts within its team. Leaders, who are able to foster warmth, build support and reach out to their employees as a source of reassurance, have an advantage to become a successful leader.
- Communicate With Hope: Ability to overcome fear is a skill a leader should have. When a person is hopeful, it creates a positive energy within the whole team and the organization. Having a balanced outlook towards the uncertain future motivates the employees to work harder. Focusing on having hope can create a discipline within your team, making your team to improve their current situation.
- Focus On Facts: Take time, put in efforts and encourage necessary steps that should be taken to get the facts about the current situation. An uncertain time reduces your creativity and diminishes workplace efficiency.
- Clarity: Being transparent in what they do and be able to set clear cut goals for themselves and their team is an important skill a leader should have. Being transparent in your approach makes you a successful leader. Humble strength and providing clarity on important situations is considered as a desired quality for leaders.
- Let Your Team Relax: Find moments when your team can close their eyes and cool down. Nobody has the capacity to keep working every hour of the day. Take breaks for yourself as well as let your team relax
Conclusion
Organizations need leaders to show the way forward and instill a sense of energy and inspiration. Emphasizing that recovery through any difficult situation takes time. A person who taps on strengths of their team and believes in sending a strong message throughout the uncertain times is a preferred quality of a successful leader.
Great leaders provide direction and hope in times of uncertainty. ~ John Eades
