Clarity and calm in uncertain times
Dear fellow leaders,
I tend to think the word “crisis” is overused. But it was made for moments like these. Even those of us fortunate enough not to have major health challenges are feeling the effects of the coronavirus. Our way of life, our social structures and our economy are all uncertain right now. In other words, we need leadership more than ever.
The kind of leadership we need
Do we fall back on the old “strong man” theory of leadership, pretending we know what’s going to happen, how to act and how to react? Or is this a moment for leadership strength in vulnerability and understanding? What do those who trust us and look up to us need to hear right now?
Fortunately, we are not alone in seeking these answers.
A free weekly gathering
In the spirit of community, I’ll be holding a free weekly Zoom gathering of leaders for the next few weeks. Join me on Thursday evenings at 7 or 7:30 (Eastern time) to talk about what’s going on in your world. Come once or every week, for a few minutes or the whole hour. You can sign up here.
Great resources
Also, here are a few sources of information about managing uncertainty, telework, self-care and soup.
5 tips for managing remotely during Covid-19 (The Management Center)
How to avoid shaking hands (Harvard Business Review)
How to get people to actually participate in remote meetings (Harvard Business Review)
Dealing with the immense uncertainty of the world (Zen Habits)
Managing stress and anxiety over the coronavirus (Bearfoot Theory)
The scientific 7-minute workout (New York Times)
This lentil soup is so good one nurse has eaten it for lunch every weekday for 17 years (Washington Post)
Please remember to move and remember to breathe. Turn off the news and go outside. Be healthy, be strong and remain curious.
Yours in service,
Alan