Written by: Santarvis Brown, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
It’s been over one hundred years since Rudyard Kipling wrote his poem “If.” In it, Kipling provides advice on how one should live one’s life. He does this by sharing with the reader several ways the reader can rise above adversity and tackle challenges that most people will face in their life. And over one hundred years later we can find that his advice is just as useful now as it was back then.
“The poem “If” begins, If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you.”
The reason why I choose this line in today’s article is that it very much represents one of the biggest challenges that a great leader must learn to manage.
Many leaders flourish in good times. It is easy for anyone to go through the motions of their job or career when everything is flowing without a problem. However, uncertainty often strikes when leaders are not prepared to handle significant changes. Those leaders who are prepared will not only survive, but excel.
During the past three years – through the Covid-19 pandemic – it has been arguably one of the most uncertain times the global workforce has faced. Nearly every business in the world has had to make significant changes to workflow, work processes, employee management, and more. And no one knew when or how businesses would continue to change or if the workforce would ever find “normalcy” again.
This is where companies found leaders who led as the agent of certainty in the midst of uncertain times. As the pandemic does begin to slow down and companies begin to find a new foothold in how they will go about business, we look back on the traits of great leaders in these uncertain times.
Here are three traits of leaders in uncertain times:
Foundation
Great leaders have a flexible foundation in place. This includes a team that works well together. And more importantly, a team that is not so rigid that it will crumble when change is implemented. Leaders build flexible teams willing to share their ideas when the road becomes bumpy.
Mindfulness
A leader in uncertain times realizes that there is a little guarantee in an uncertain future. Learn from the past, but recognize that you cannot change it. In uncertain times, a great leader understands that focusing on what you can do now sets a clear path to a successful future.
Create Consistency
A leader who creates consistency in the workplace minimizes uncertainty in an uncertain time. To have a consistent workforce three things must be in place. Your employees must understand the team goals. A leader must provide a team environment where you equip, support, coach, and value your team. And great leaders do not allow uncertainty to manipulate their winning strategy. Training, quality, and positive work ethics must remain in place.
In uncertain times, a great leader must keep their head in the game. You cannot allow uncertainty to create uncertainty. In uncertain times a great leader leads with three qualities: They have a flexible foundation, take a mindful approach to leadership, and practice consistent leadership.
Santarvis Brown, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Dr. Santarvis Brown has spent 15+ years serving as a leader, innovator, and changemaker in education, showcasing in-depth insight as an administrator, educator, and program director. A noted speaker, researcher, and full professor, he has lent his speaking talent to many community and educational forums, serving as a keynote speaker. He has also penned several publications tackling issues in civic service, faith, leadership, and education.
