Character Attributes for Leading in a Pandemic

This is my 27th year of owning a small business. Over the years I certainly experienced shifting requirements – and have had to pivot from facilitating to coaching, from in-person training to online learning models, and to a blended/hybrid approaches to meet client requirements. But never have I undergone a time when the world is changing so rapidly. Every day seems to require re-calibration and
adjustment.
Leaders are being acutely tested right now as this pandemic has shaken up virtually every aspect of the workplace and priorities have shifted. Some leaders are finding ways to inspire their teams to innovate, other leaders are finding it hard to engage teams virtually. Some organizations are finding ways to not only survive, but to thrive and grow by capitalizing on new opportunities – while others are finding it hard to keep the doors open.
Employee safety and health (both mental and physical) have become primary concerns as never before.
Communication is no longer spontaneous; interactions are scheduled and virtual, and even when people are together, masks (while critical for our safety) make it hard to understand each other. Some people are enjoying working from home, some are absolutely not. Organizational culture is also being tested as teams find different ways to work in the ‘new normal’.
The net result is that leaders are being challenged and are dealing with a broader range of issues every day. They are also being faced with their own fears and shortcomings. So, what is required to lead in a pandemic? Character attributes: patience, tolerance, compassion, flexibility, courage, and optimism.

1. Patience to listen, ask good questions and seek to understand each person’s unique perspective.
2. Tolerance to accept that our situation is just the way it is.
3. Compassion to attend to others’ needs and understand that everyone is different.
4. Flexibility to adjust to change and differences, to adapt, and to try new things.
5. Courage to continue to clarify expectations and hold people civilly accountable.
6. Optimism to find opportunities and to provide hope.
   “The visionary leader is an optimist, for no pessimist every made a great leader” (William W.
   Francis. Retired Territorial Commander, Canada & Bermuda, The Salvation Army. Most leaders are constantly learning as they are faced with each new challenge. It is an ambiguous time that requires leaders to try new things, be willing to accept that they don’t have all the answers, and learn from their failures. It is a time for humility and for a focus on humanity. Above all, leaders have to be attuned to their team members and find ways to bring out the best in each person. And all of us have to be attuned to what is happening to ourselves.
   What support do you need?
   My team of Associates and I are thinking about you and the challenges you are facing during this time.
   We would love to hear from you and about the realities that you are dealing with in your organization. Are there specific tools that would be of support to you during this time? If so, please let us know what would be helpful.
   
   We have prepared this six-minute Character Conversation video on leadership during a pandemic. We hope you will find value.
   Complimentary Building Character Culture Conversations
   Our monthly complimentary Building Character Culture Conversations are continuing and the next one is scheduled for November 24th at 10:30 a.m. If you would like to join us, kindly send me an email and the Zoom information will be sent to you. These Conversations are about learning from and supporting each other.
   Interactive Online Learning.
   The Know Your Character for Communication Success starting next week is full. Please let me know if you would like to join the waiting list.
   Best wishes as we keep focus through this challenging time.
   Kathleen