Berger Leadership Blog

Strong businesses have strong leaders at the helm. Now, this doesn't mean ruling your organization with an iron fist. Great leaders build trust and loyalty with their team so that employees can work independently while still knowing they can seek guidance when problems arise.

In times of uncertainty, employees will look to you to help them make the right decisions. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, you might be feeling a little paralyzed and scared to move forward – we don't know how long this will go on or how it will alter our operating environment once we return to "normal."

Leadership gurus Karin Hurt and David Dye stress the need to remain decisive in your decision making, even when you don't know what's coming next. Here are their tips for doing so:

1. Ground yourself in your values. Your organization's values should always be your North Star. Don't let fear of making an unpopular decision hold you back if you're certain it's what's in the best interest of your members/customers and employees.
2. Stay focused on what matters most. For my company, delivering extreme member service is our priority. While we've had to change the way we deliver some of our products and services in recent months to account for social distancing and safety measures, we've remained steadfast in being there for our members. Our members are working day and night to support those facing financial hardships, and my team is constantly keeping them informed of policy changes that will impact their ability to do so.
3. Make the best, next, small, bold decision. Situations can change quickly. What leaders need to do is make the best decision with the information they have available. Take time to understand what's going on, what your employees and members/customers need, and how your organization can get it done.
4. Show up with confident humility. Confidence is what instills trust in a leader, but don't be arrogant in times of crisis. You don't know everything – that's why you have good employees around you. Take time to listen to them and demonstrate that you hear their concerns and have considered them carefully in your decision making.
5. Prepare for the pivot. The decision you made two weeks ago might no longer be the right one. New information leads to better decision making, so don't be afraid to change your mind and your organization's direction when the situation changes. Communicate why you're making the change so employees understand you're not operating on a whim.

Hurt and Dye also acknowledge that sometimes a decision doesn't need to be made. If you truly don't know the best course of action, take a step back to think on it. Your path will become clearer as the situation evolves.

We shouldn't view crises as an invitation to micromanage but use it as an opportunity to reinforce what's most important to our organizations. Use these decisive decision-making tips to help lead your team effectively through crises.

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