Strong leaders emerge in different ways and at different times. When the NBA closed its doors on March 12, quarantine and life as we know it changed quickly. Most of us have never lived in or through a pandemic, and opinions and speculation have moved as quick as the virus. Fast forward to August 2020: the challenges and difficulties have not changed and the complexities and demands on leaders have only increased.
The most recent research points to a growing depression and anxiety as we struggle to fully understand the impact of COVID-19 in these next 6-12 months. As leaders, we are in a season where we need to be more than just cheerleaders or creators of new content, new delivery, and new sales strategies. This is a time to build a deeper level of trust with those we lead.
Here are five steps to help leaders build trust in these challenging times.
1. Practice Honesty
Most of us would love to paint a picture of this season differently than what it is. Unrealistic optimism will feel “good” in the moment, but it will lead to a long-term decrease in your leadership trust. Be extra diligent to speak as honestly as you are able even if the information is hard to hear. It is hard in the moment, but your team will learn to trust you for the truth you share.
2. Care Personally
Caring well for the people on your team means that you care personally for them based on the realistic ways that you can support them in this crazy season. For some, it might be asking how they are managing their workload with children at home and offering some options to reduce this stress. For others, it might be asking about loved ones that pose a higher risk or the anxiety that your staff feel. To care for your team means that you know each of them well enough to personalize your care. I do not have a lot of confidence that “XYZ Company” is with me in this pandemic, but I am sold on the idea that those I lead can experience my care with a clear sense of personalization. Take the time to know them and care for them well.
3. Listen Well
Be a great listener. Leadership is based on connection, and connection is based on listening. Good listeners—those who seek to understand by asking clarifying questions and by giving their complete attention—will lead with greater skill in the midst of challenges. Seek the advice of others and test some of your leadership assumptions with people that you trust. To whatever degree you do this now, do it even more. Make daily or weekly check-ins a priority with those you lead. I have found that practicing this one skill is a critical ingredient to leadership and helps you to avoid many unintended consequences. Not all, but many.
4. Be Mindful
Every leader goes through significant or even transformative personal and professional life experiences. It can be easy to think that you are alone, but I can promise you that your feelings are shared by countless other leaders. If you allow for the stress of this season to multiply, it will have a residual effect on those you lead. I have talked with the ED of a large nonprofit, the CEO of a business that works with Fortune 500 companies, and the pastor of a large church, and all of them have shared that they have spent some sleepless nights wondering what the future might look like. It is a fair concern, and when you feel the weight of those you lead, it can bring out personal uncertainties.
Take time to clear your mind and allow for the endorphins in your mind to work for you. Exercising, enjoying a night at home without work, or doing something fun (and socially safe) can change the neurochemistry of your brain. Usually, we’re afraid that a tough time will break us, but when you think about the countless times you’ve actually gotten past what you thought was the worst experience in your life, you realize that you’ve gotten stronger. Let these moments of adversity building be the guide in this season. My wife and I have walked 4-6 miles six times per week over the past three months, and it has been a game changer for my leadership and focus.
5. Encourage Hope
Not false hope. Not unrealistic hope. A hope that is anchored in reality. Physicians and medical experts know the impact of hope. Parents know it. It has always been a part of the work of leaders to help hope triumph over despair in times of hardship. Most of the people on your team have endured adversity to some degree, and we have the opportunity to help them draw on these past hardships and the resilience and resolve they demonstrated. Help them to think back to some of the hardships that they have endured, the lessons learned in the midst of them, and the future hope that came.
I love this motto that a friend shared with me some years ago… Dum spiro spero. While I breathe, I hope. It is a motto more relevant now than ever. Keep breathing.
Contact us to learn how our experienced coaches can assist you in building trust among your team.
Billy Dunn is a Senior Consultant at The Center Consulting Group and has over 20 years of church and nonprofit leadership experience. He serves as the Character Coach for the Lehigh University Men’s Basketball team and the Director of Ministry Leadership for Word FM. Billy has assisted with the launch of a number of nonprofit organizations and has worked with organizations and ministries across the world. Billy has an M.S. in Organizational Leadership and brings experience in the areas of leading change, leadership coaching, resource development, church growth planning, and strategic thinking and planning.
