Driving Leadership Performance And Development In A Crisis

The current COVID-19 pandemic is a global tragedy with profoundly human consequences. It is also creating situations where we have seen examples of extraordinary human performance and growth, as individuals and leaders come together to do what they can to help those around them.

As senior executives naturally focus on the immediate implications of this crisis and its impact on their people and organizations, they will also routinely find themselves in moments that accelerate the growth and development of their leadership talent at all levels of the organization. During historical moments of severe uncertainty, we have noticed that the smartest companies employ the tactics below to drive leadership performance and development in the midst of crises.

Your Talent Strategy 

01. Take note of what this moment reveals about your leaders

During the 2008-09 financial crisis, many companies found that a surprising share of their leaders were unwilling or unable to lead in a challenging environment. Many also found that they had underestimated leaders who stepped up in unexpected, critical ways. Take note of what this period reveals about your bench. The coming weeks will expose empty suits and surface hidden gems.

02. Play offense and defense

The biggest shifts in a sector’s competitive rankings occur during moments of uncertainty, including downturns. Defensive measures are essential, but the best leaders also think strategically about opportunities to go on the offensive. This lesson applies as much to talent strategy as it does to business strategy.

Your Anchor Talent 

03. Look for leaders who look outward

During times of uncertainty, many top leaders succumb to the natural human tendency to retreat inward and fail to support each other. Ironically, they become more individualistic at the very time when leadership matters most. The best leaders recognize and resist this response, and, critically, support peers who need their guidance and mentorship.

04. Bet on poise, perseverance, and resilience

Hemingway famously defined courage as “grace under pressure.” A crisis exerts sudden, substantial pressure on leaders and provides a real test of their ability to persevere in spite of it. Look for – and allocate more responsibility to – those who demonstrate a combination of calm, competence, and confidence in the face of uncertainty.