How to lead in a crisis | The Way We Work, a TED series

Summary

In times of upheaval, leadership requires transparency, humility, and urgency. Leaders must admit what they don't know, communicate frequently, and act quickly, even with limited information. By holding steady to values and purpose, they offer a guiding light while adapting to shifting circumstances. Power should be shared with others to foster innovation and a sense of purpose. Effective leaders create psychological safety by openly admitting uncertainty and showing commitment to their core principles. Ultimately, leadership is not about having all the answers but about trusting the right direction and updating the course as new information emerges.

Takeaways

• 😀 Leadership during upheaval requires transparency and frequent communication, especially when there is uncertainty.
• 😀 Admitting what you don't know fosters psychological safety and builds trust with your team.
• 😀 Leaders should act with urgency even when they have limited information, as inaction can lead to greater instability.
• 😀 Effective leadership is not about having all the answers but taking swift action to gather more information.
• 😀 Sharing power and asking for help is crucial in times of crisis, fostering collaboration and innovation.
• 😀 Values and purpose must remain steady, even when goals and situations change, to provide guidance during uncertainty.
• 😀 Leadership requires humility. Pretending to have all the answers in times of upheaval is counterproductive.
• 😀 The importance of communicating honestly about the situation, as shown by Delta Airlines CEO during the pandemic crisis.
• 😀 Despite limited information, New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern took immediate action, showcasing decisive leadership.
• 😀 During a crisis, people are more likely to trust leaders who admit uncertainty but continue to make informed decisions.
• 😀 The role of leadership in crises is to provide a clear direction, continuously adjusting as new information emerges.

Q & A

What is the primary challenge leaders face during times of upheaval?

The primary challenge is leading with limited information and uncertainty, as crises disrupt what we thought we knew and require a shift in leadership style.

How does the interconnectedness of the world contribute to the challenges faced by leaders?

In an interconnected world, a single event, such as a political uprising or a virus, can send shock waves around the globe, creating widespread upheaval and forcing leaders to respond swiftly.

Why is transparency important for leaders during times of crisis?

Transparency allows leaders to communicate what they know and admit what they don't know, creating psychological safety for people, and fostering trust and understanding during uncertain times.

What example does the transcript provide to illustrate the importance of transparent communication?

The example of Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian during the COVID-19 pandemic illustrates how transparent communication, even when information is scarce, helps maintain employee trust and engagement during a crisis.

What does it mean for leaders to act with urgency despite incomplete information?

Acting with urgency means taking swift action even when the full picture is not clear. Leaders should not wait for perfect information because inaction can cause confusion and instability.

How did New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern demonstrate leadership during the COVID-19 crisis?

Jacinda Ardern quickly communicated an alert system for the nation despite lacking complete information. She made rapid decisions, such as initiating a lockdown, based on the available data, which ultimately helped save lives.

How should leaders hold steady during times of upheaval?

Leaders should focus on their core values, such as customer experience or health and safety, and remain consistent in applying those values, even if the specific goals or strategies change in response to the crisis.

Why is it crucial for leaders to share power during times of crisis?

Sharing power encourages innovation, creates a sense of agency among team members, and fosters collaboration, which leads to better decision-making and a more supportive environment during a crisis.

What is the concept of a leader’s 'compass' in times of crisis?

A leader's 'compass' refers to their guiding values and direction, which remain constant even as specific goals or methods may change. This compass provides clarity and trust, even when the path forward is uncertain.

What is the ultimate benefit of effective leadership during upheaval?

Effective leadership during upheaval builds trust and confidence in the leader, as people believe that the leader is making the right decisions based on available information and adjusting as needed.