How Can You Lead Your Team in a Crisis? | VetFran

It is one thing to be a leader when things are going well. When a crisis occurs, that is when a person’s leadership skills are tested.

Our team at VetFran wants you to know what steps you can take to improve your leadership skills in order to effectively lead your team during these times of uncertainty.

Being a Leader in Times of Crisis

When it comes to times like these, many employees will look hard to the leader for reassurance that everything will be OK. Though no one knows what the future will hold during a crisis, it doesn’t mean you still cannot step up to the plate and be the leader your team needs.

First, you need to be both confident and honest. It is OK not to have all the answers.

While your employees are looking for reassurance, they are also looking for realistic answers. Therefore, you want to aim to give them both.

Second, you need to be ready to take action! A crisis is not a time to just sit on your laurels and think about things for a long time.

It is a time to make decisions quickly and thoughtfully, including the hard decisions. You cannot afford to just sit and wait at this time, unless the decision is something that’s truly inconsequential and can wait. Your employees need you to take action and be decisive about how everyone is going to act and make it through the crisis on the other side.

Finally, you want to do what you can to control the chaos.

When an unexpected event occurs, it is very easy for everyone to become stressed and worried. However, it is up to you—the leader—to make sure that you are in control of your emotions.

Stick to the facts and stay positive in order to prevent the panic from spreading. Help your employees to focus on the task at hand and not the chaos happening around them.

VetFran remains ready to serve our members and the veteran community during this unprecedented time.