Times are tough. Business leaders and policymakers are forced to make decisions in a very uncertain and unpredictable context. At such moments, some competencies stand out; these can make the difference between “moderate” and “excellent”. These are crucial factors in any change process; we are currently noticing 5 prominent factors that really make a world of difference.
Dare to decide…and stick to it yourself
Decisiveness is of course a very important competence; dare to make decisions, despite the many uncertainties. don’t wait desperately until you have all the pieces of the puzzle, because you may never have them or you will undoubtedly be too late. This uncertainty often plays tricks on me as an entrepreneur and business coach. You are doing something while not being sure if it will work. But at the same time you ensure that you are fully prepared … for the worst. By using scenarios you get a lot calmer. and you know one thing: doing nothing is still a worse option than making a decision; but make sure that the decision is well-founded.
Once the decision has been made, you also ensure that you are the first to comply with it yourself. A movie series about the former GDR is shown on Netflix these days; you can see how the members of the Stasi are the first to approach people about inappropriate behavior, but in the meantime they arrange their own dirty business under the table. Once it becomes clear that people who demand an exemplary role from others, but do not walk the talk themselves, they lose all credibility; never ask others what you cannot or do not want to do yourself.
Leaders are also just humans. Show your humanity
If you want to appeal to your people, you also have to show the necessary humanity. Empathy, genuine empathy is a prerequisite. No “fake” talk because you have to, but sincerely show that you are concerned and interested in your people. So that they feel that they are much more to you than a line on the Excel table of staffing costs, or that they feel more “human” than “resources” in your company.
That empathy is much easier if you show the necessary modesty yourself. In a change process, arrogance is immediately punished. You don’t need arrogance to make your point. You can also formulate it calmly; it won’t be any less strong. Our current BelgianMinister of Health is a veteran in politics. An unmistakably brilliant head, but one who is all too happy to preach and teach people with words of wisdom. After barely a few weeks this already appears to have a counterproductive effect and the buzz arises. Arrogance comes back to your face like a boomerang. No mercy!
Communication. Communication. Communication….
That communication ends the list is kicking in an open door. Of course you have to communicate well. Especially witty responding “on the spot” to certain reactions from people, or prickly questions. The interviews on radio and TV are sometimes hilarious. how a journalist manages to make someone appear insecure. you also have those journalists in the workplace. Make sure you know well in advance what is going on and that you are not permanently surprised by a question that you did not see coming. communicate in a positive and forward-looking manner and above all be honest and open.
Would you like to take a closer look at your competences? do you want to reinforce certain elements? A simple coaching process can at an entry-level budget with our e-coaching. Even if you finance this personally, it is still feasible. An investment in your future that will pay off without a doubt. Contact us and we’ ll help you further