Editor’s Note

The COVID-19 pandemic has been an ultimate test of leadership. Many leaders will have to take another look at how they define their responsibilities. Can leaders rise above the negative pressures they face? What can leaders do to help their team survive and thrive in this new economy? Learn more about how leaders can create a new and better normal in this issue of Leadership Excellence.

Organizational priorities may have shifted dramatically, from a readiness to launch major new initiatives to a need to hunker down and manage for survival. Adding to these potential changes are uncertainties over how long the crisis will last, how drastically it will impact individual businesses, and what the economy will look like when the pandemic subsides. As in less turbulent times, leaders face the need to carefully allot their time between strategic concerns and tactical issues. During this period, however, they may need to radically shift their areas of concentration. But there is also another question they need to be asking themselves. Read John Behr’s article, Leaders May Need To Redefine Their Roles, to learn that and more.

If your people don’t trust your leadership, then navigating a crisis and delivering future success becomes nearly impossible. To know how to build trust during times of crisis, read Jim Haudan’s article, Building Trust During A Crisis.

No one knows the long-term impact that COVID-19 will have on the economy and your company. Company senior leaders are taking a hard look at their bottom line.  As a result, decisions are being made as to who stays and who goes based on bottom line productivity and profitability. It is your responsibility as a leader to help your team be as profitable as possible to lessen the chances of being laid off. Read Ruth King’s article, Profitability And Productivity Help Your Team Survive, to learn what a leader can do to help his team survive and thrive in this new economy, whether that team is revenue producing or revenue supporting.

Truly effective leadership is hard when times are good, but it is even more challenging when times are bad because when times are bad, leaders face great pressure to protect themselves and their investments. Read Ryan Gottfredson’s article, Leading In A Bear Market, to understand if you have the mindset necessary to lead effectively in a bear market.
 
Apart from these articles, also included are a few other informative articles on various facets of leadership. We hope you enjoy reading and look forward to receiving your feedback.

Last but not least, we believe that there is no better way to connect with people than by sharing your leadership story. If you have one, send it to us.  
Happy Reading!