Leading in Uncertain Times

In this episode, Tom reflects on the current COVID-19 pandemic and shares some insights on how leaders can effectively lead and help their teams navigate through this time of uncertainty.
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Leading in Uncertain Times

• In times of uncertainty, you are either leading or hiding.
• Control is an illusion. You can’t control what happens. The only thing that you can control is how you react and deal with it.
• You can’t control the waves but you can learn how to surf. You can’t control the rain, but you can learn how to dance in the rain.
• Self-care is important. In times of uncertainty, it’s all about how you are showing up as a leader. 
• Be calm. When things are uncertain, it’s important for leaders to show a level of confidence. If you’re not confident, your team is going to feel that.
• Your team looks at you as a pillar of certainty. When that pillar gets shaky, it undermines the level of certainty that they are looking for.
• The 3 Cultural Dimensions to be mindful of when leading in uncertain times:

1. Hierarchy vs Equality – countries that are very hierarchical expect leaders to know what to do and tell them what to do, whilst in more equality-based cultures, people prefer to be engaged in the conversation.
2. Low Context vs High Context Forms of Communication – low context communications are very direct whilst high context communication uses analogies, stories, and metaphors to get a point across.
3. Collectivism vs Individualism – in more collective cultures, people are far more willing to go along with things for the greater good of the community rather than just for themselves. 

• As a leader, it’s important to think about who you are trying to influence and how your message lands especially in times of uncertainty.
• Culture is tacit. We don’t think about our culture until we’re out of our own, but it influences the way we look at the world. 
• It is not about knowing all the answers. It’s about being confident that you and your team will get through it.
• Be open to ideas because none of us have the answers. Today more than ever is a really good time to be open to different things.

Today’s Take-away

• As a leader, how are you showing up in this time of uncertainty? 
• How are you leading and helping your team navigate the current situation?

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