Crisis – unforeseen or otherwise, present very unique management challenges to any organization trying to remain relevant during and beyond the period of crisis. At such times, the people look at the leadership for a sense of direction, hope, and even motivation. Therefore it’s incumbent upon the leader to fully rise to the occasion and offer the much needed support to key stakeholders in the organization. Granted it’s not a walk in the park. For instance, the Covid-19 crisis is unprecedented and leaders from across the globe are grappling with how best to navigate their organizations amidst the devastating effects of the pandemic.

Social impact based organization leaders, just like others, are also searching for answers and ways to stay useful at this time of the global crisis.  Here are some leadership tips you can embrace to keep you going.

Be approachable and responsive

Social impact work can be deeply fulfilling, but at times intensely frustrating – and especially during a crisis where these feelings are amplified. Leaders should be careful not to take out their pent out frustrations on their team(s). A frustrated leader pushes his colleagues away making him less approachable and thereby less likely to be in the loop about what is really going on in the organization they lead. Moreover, the leader should strive to be timely to both employees and key donors to facilitate key decision making that is an essential component during times of crises.

 

Engage with your Board of Directors

A leader should never deal with crisis in isolation. More than ever, the leader should prioritize spending time with their board of directors – individually, in small groups or as a collective. It’s during such interaction that the leader is able to get insights and benefit from an array of ideas that are handy in steering the organization forward.

 

Accommodate pessimistic views

Optimism is important in leadership, but you will always have people in your organization with completely opposite view points. Sometimes pessimism is fear-driven. As such, the leaders should pay attention to alternative view points and be accommodating of those who see the glass as half empty. This is important, because if they feel silenced by the leader’s reflexive optimism, it will simply drive them underground and may contribute to a narrative that the leader is out-of-touch with reality.

Connect with people that nourish you

For the most part, a leader is required to spend time around people and to do things that drain and deplete you, especially during a crisis. For this reason, a leader should be intentional to spend as much time as possible around people who encourage, admire, and uplift them. Find people who can teach you new skills and useful perspectives, and who make you laugh.

 

In as much as these are exceedingly difficult times for social impact organizations and the communities they serve, there’s always a silver lining. Therefore, as you consider your own approach to leadership in these troubled times, don’t lose sight of the opportunities that accompany even the gravest of challenges.