The Whole World is Changing - but Some Things Will Always be the Same
We are experiencing something no one has in their lifetime. Literally the whole world is changing right now, but there are some core things that will never change for us as human beings. Regardless of what happens in the coming weeks and months, people will need leadership, will want leadership. They will look to leaders to create a new sense of normal for them. People will always need something that only other humans can provide. There are no websites, computers, or systems that can create the connection that comes from people to people interactions. Here are the foundations for those connections.
Putting people first
If you start with people, you will always come out ahead. Having a servant’s heart will lead to positive outcomes in the long-term. Regardless of the situation you find yourself in, if you lead by thinking about the impact it will have on your team and those around you, your heart and mind will guide you in the right direction. People recognize and follow leaders that remain humble, selfless, thoughtful, and forward-looking in any situation.
Building trust
Trust will outweigh almost every other external factor. When times are uncertain, people need a grounding point, something they know they can count on. It is almost always a person, someone they know will have their best interests in mind and will do what it takes to ensure their safety and success. I think everyone right now is looking for that. Everyone wants to know that their families and themselves will not be placed in harm’s way. They need to know that they can count on you for honest, factual information that will help lead to a positive outcome for them.
Empathy
People will need to know you understand what they have been through. Not just what everyone experienced, but what they experienced. Physically, emotionally, financially. The current crisis we find ourselves in is impacting everyone in some way, but not the same ways. Take time to understand the impact this situation is having on those around you, especially the ones you serve.
Authenticity
This builds trust, this shows empathy, and it allows you to pave new paths forward. This is about ‘keeping it real’ for everyone. People need hope, they want to know it will get better. But most importantly, they need hope that is real. Be honest about the circumstances. This is not the time for rainbows and unicorns. False hope will only lead to disappointment and erosion of trust.
The most challenging thing that is coming from this extended period of being isolated is that we are isolated. The daily interactions and human connections we previously took for granted are now sought after. We certainly have found alternatives in video chats, extra phone calls, and messaging services, but we still want to be able to be with other people in person, face to face. While those standards may evolve over time, we will still always need the basic building blocks of what only humans can share with one another.
As a leader how are you using these foundations to support your team?
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