Showing the Light in Dark Times

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The world today has reached a situation which no one even in their wildest imaginations could have speculated, but does that mean that we give up and let our businesses suffer one blow after another? It is in these times that the world looks up to its leaders, to pave the way towards a flourishing business and world again. While it is an unprecedented situation and everyone could have varying opinions as to how one can move forward, a few techniques that might come in handy while dealing with such circumstances are-

1. Empathy And Concern

While running a business sometimes requires you to be shrewd and ruthless, it is important that our leaders don’t forget basic humanity. Everyone in the world right now is facing uncertain times and it is the duty of the leader to make sure that their fellow comrades know that you understand them and you are going to be there for them. While taking any decision, know that each and every decision of yours is going to impact another individual’s life in a drastic manner, so place yourselves in their shoes before giving a final verdict.

2. Take Responsibility

Shying away from your responsibilities and commitments will lead you nowhere. It is time to go upfront and face all challenges head on. It is only when you take responsibility that the true leader in you is born.  Take risks and let your team know that whatever the outcome may be, you are going to all completely ready to face the consequences.

3. Change And Adapt

Sticking to the traditional and normative ways of running a business will not take you far in these changing circumstances. It is time to let your imagination run wild and think of new, innovative ways to make your business go into profits. A true leader will never hesitate to go beyond the normal, for it is only those out of the box ideas that leave a mark on this world.

4. Instill Confidence

You need to communicate with your colleagues and let them know that you all are in the same boat and that the shore is not far away. You and everyone together will not let this boat sink. Let them know time and again that this is a testing phase and that you all shall pass with flying colours.

5. Plan In Advance

You need to get your running shoes on and get ahead of time. Think of possible problems and their solutions way in advance so that whenever a crisis hits you, you are more than ready for it.  Plan what, how and when everything needs to be done. All plans might not work but even if one of them gets successful, the fruit of your labour will be achieved.

6. Believe In Yourself And Your Team

For you to reach new heights, it is very important for you to have absolute faith in your own and your team’s capabilities. Be confident that whatever you plan, it will go in the right direction. Because unless and until you do so, the team will always lack the perseverance to do the assigned task.

7. Be Real

While being optimistic about whatever you’re doing, it is also equally important to be real. While chalking out plans, you need to know what all is at stake otherwise it could take hasty and misinformed decisions which could turn out to be very dangerous in the future. A good leader will always evaluate the risks and only if the probability of the gain is higher and the risks are comparatively less, will he/she make the final call.

While each one of us could have a different approach to a crisis, the most important of them all is to remain sane, whatever might happen, you need to make sure that you are physically as well as mentally fit to tackle the task at hand. The above mentioned points are something that can help leaders universally, they are the basic keynotes around which any business strategy should revolve in order to gain true success.

It is in the time of crisis that good leaders emerge -Rudy Giulhani

This statement throws light on the fact that it is only when you deal with a crisis and emerge out of it, can you be called a true leader. Each one of us has a leader waiting to punce out, waiting for that opportunity but it is time we stop waiting and create our own opportunities!