What does leadership have to do with toilet paper? What does toilet paper have to do with a crisis? How good are you at leading in a time of crisis?

Well unless you have been living under a rock, you will know that there is a current toilet paper shortage in Australia and other parts of the world. This is mostly due to panic buying to prepare for restrictions around the Corona Virus.

Does Covid-19 cause you to use more toilet paper? No. Do people need to buy lots of toilet paper? No.

Many people are annoyed (and impacted) by the panic buying. It seems senseless and people are angry. Many are laughing at people buying up big.

But the real reason that people are stockpiling toilet paper and other things? They are worried and scared about the world they live in.

It’s been a particularly hard year already in Australia. We have had devastating fires and now a world wide virus. People are stressed about changes that they cannot control. And stressed people do things that are not always logical.

So, what does this mean for you as a leader?

Now is the time to step up your leadership skills. As social distancing in starting across the country and workplaces may shut down or move staff to work from home, your employees need your support more than ever.

Leading in a time of Crisis

What are the best ways to lead in a time of crisis? How do great leaders support their staff? Great leaders:

• CARE and UNDERSTAND: Great leaders try to understand the concerns of their staff. They address them if they can. They sympathise at the very least.
• COMMUNICATE: Great leaders communicate often and in an open manner. If they do not know the answer they say so. No news is not good news in this case!
• STAY CALM and IN CONTROL: Great leaders share their vulnerabilities but remain calm. They stay in control of their response to the situation.
• ARE RESPONSIVE but NOT RUSHED: Great leaders do not make decisions rashly or rush around but are timely in their responses. Even in very urgent situations you generally have time for some reflection.

A wise leader once told me to be the reasonable person in the unreasonable situation. This applies today as we go into uncharted territory. Be that voice of reason in your workplace and in a world that is becoming frightening and unrecognisable.

This is great little article from my colleagues at Define Potential in Canberra about Leadership in Challenging Times which has some more tips you may find useful.

I wish you and yours continuing good health and remind you to focus on your mental wellbeing at this time as well as that of your staff.

Coaching can help people through times of crisis and difficulty. You can participate in coaching sessions virtually – via phone or video link. Please contact me for more information.