Leadership in Times of Crisis by Andreas von der Heydt

1. Leadership in Times of Crisis When Everyone Needs To Step Up! By Andreas von der Heydt

2. © Andreas von der Heydt | Leadership in Times of Crisis - When Everyone Needs to Step Up! Andreas von der Heydt Senior Executive, Leadership & Executive Coach, LinkedIn Influencer, Author, Speaker s concerns about the novel coronavirus, also known as the COVID-19 virus, continue toAspread around the globe, there’s a lot of talk about leaders having to act, to ingest trust, and to mitigate uncertainties and fears as many people are seriously concerned. Indeed, extremely challenging times - like the crisis we’re facing right now - represent the greatest leadership test. They show if leaders are capable of rising to the occasion and how well they can manage and lead. It’s in times of crisis when we learn the most about leadership (and us).

3. Although this type of crisis is new, I’d like to present some strategies for leading in difficult times © Andreas von der Heydt | Leadership in Times of Crisis - When Everyone Needs to Step Up!

4. GET THE FACTS RIGHT A very comprehensive situation analysis is the very first step. 1. Deep dive to better understand the situation at hand and what you’re potentially up against. Rely on facts and figures. Don’t make assumptions and don’t jump to premature conclusions without hard data. Take charge of your thoughts and don’t let emotions get the better of you. © Andreas von der Heydt | Leadership in Times of Crisis - When Everyone Needs to Step Up!

5. HAVE A STRATEGY AND PLAN IN PLACE Extreme challenges and crisis situations are best faced with a cohesive, decisive, and consistent strategy and closely aligned action steps. Be honest to yourself, and ask “What is the worst that could happen?” This will make you face the reality of the situation and help you plan ahead accordingly. Anticipation is a crucial element. Admit that it might be liquid as things could be changing frequently. 2. © Andreas von der Heydt | Leadership in Times of Crisis - When Everyone Needs to Step Up!

6. IMPLEMENT THOUGHTFUL, IMPACTFUL AND DECISIVE ACTIONS Avoid any risk taking measures. Do whatever it takes to address and resolve the crisis. 3. Safety of everyone has to come first. Install clear procedures and mechanisms to be able of documenting and following through. Audit constantly and adjust if necessary. © Andreas von der Heydt | Leadership in Times of Crisis - When Everyone Needs to Step Up!

7. INNOVATE AND EXPERIMENT Besides implementing more general actions and procedures, ensure that there is room that people are empowered to test and experiment by thinking outside of the box and being able to potentially come up with unexpected and more effective solutions. Guarantee space for innovation. 4. © Andreas von der Heydt | Leadership in Times of Crisis - When Everyone Needs to Step Up!

8. BE EMPATHETIC AND POSITIVE Express your understanding, show empathy, ask for comments, ideas, and refer back to your strategy and plan. It’s everyone’s responsibility to take concerns of others serious. More so during turbulent and highly unstable times. 5. Exhibit an overall positive attitude without downplaying any concerns or challenges. © Andreas von der Heydt | Leadership in Times of Crisis - When Everyone Needs to Step Up!

9. CREATE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT It’s crucial to establish and maintain an atmosphere of trust. People should be encouraged to come forward to speak up and tell the truth. Only then critical information can be shared and discussed. Physically (by taking all required precautions), and equally important, emotionally and psychologically. 6. © Andreas von der Heydt | Leadership in Times of Crisis - When Everyone Needs to Step Up!

10. OVER- COMMUNICATE Inform about latest updates in a transparent, mindful, and non-confusing manner. Regularly, transparently, and with consistent messages. 7. Manage expectations. You need to be able to convey the seriousness and the potential impact of the crisis without creating panic. © Andreas von der Heydt | Leadership in Times of Crisis - When Everyone Needs to Step Up!

11. COLLABORATE Crisis times are an opportunity to knock down walls and antiquated thinking in silos. It’s not a time for single fighters. Great things are happening when we work together by leveraging experience, know-how, and resources across borders and other boundaries. 8. © Andreas von der Heydt | Leadership in Times of Crisis - When Everyone Needs to Step Up!

12. BE PREPARED It’s not so much a question of “if”, but rather of “when?” By then we should have a comprehensive crisis strategy and action plan in place. We have to go a step further and develop a “crisis-ready culture”. An environment which enables and empowers leaders and other stakeholders to anticipate potentially dangerous situations and to step up during situations of crisis, make decisive and speedy decisions, and have all relevant backing required to be highly effective. The next similar challenge will come. 9. © Andreas von der Heydt | Leadership in Times of Crisis - When Everyone Needs to Step Up!

13. EXERCISE METHODS OF SHARED LEADERSHIPThe combination of talents and interests of several individuals will likely increase success, because greater resources are being devoted to the leadership function. The concept of shared leadership is especially powerful in demanding and ambiguous situations. 10. © Andreas von der Heydt | Leadership in Times of Crisis - When Everyone Needs to Step Up!

14. Final Thoughts uring a crisis like right now, we all have to step up and become responsible and caring leaders. Regardless of whatever our community is, we have now the opportunity and obligation to display leadership. And to remind ourselves of what we’re capable of. My personal belief is, that with a sound strategy and plan in place, with executional excellence, the willingness to collaborate and learn, and by acting in a socially responsible and caring manner, we can and will overcome any challenge! DIn our own way and within our specific context. We shouldn’t leave it only to politicians or managers at work. Time has come to take over our ownership share and become accountable for our social good. In such demanding situations we should transform into leaders ourselves and play a supportive role within our communities and families; and within an aligned and coordinated framework. © Andreas von der Heydt | Leadership in Times of Crisis - When Everyone Needs to Step Up!

15. Leadership in Times of Crisis - Recommendations GET THE FACTS RIGHT HAVE A STRATEGY & PLAN IMPACTFUL & DECISIVE ACTIONS INNOVATE AND EXPERIMENT BE EMPATHETIC AND POSITIVE CREATE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT OVER- COMMUNICATE COLLABORATE BE PREPARED SHARED LEADERSHIP © Andreas von der Heydt | Leadership in Times of Crisis - When Everyone Needs to Step Up!

16. Andreas von der Heydt Senior Executive, Leadership & Executive Coach, LinkedIn Influencer, Author, Speaker LET’S STAY IN TOUCH linkedin.com/avonderheydt slideshare.net/AndreasvonderHeydt facebook.com/ConsumerGoodsClub twitter.com/ConsumGoodsClub © Andreas von der Heydt | Leadership in Times of Crisis - When Everyone Needs to Step Up!