COVID19 Is Making Effective Leadership More Important Than Ever
Perhaps more than ever, the importance of effective leadership is obvious during this COVID-19 crisis. Employees are remote working and teams are scattered across kitchens and living rooms. This creates an extra challenge to keeping productivity up. But even apart, the essential qualities of a good leader can help make things happen.
What are these essential qualities? We’ve all heard the old saying, “there’s no I in team”, but in the absence of the familiar surrounds of the office environment, teams are now effectively a series of individuals. As a result, having the skills to motivate, encourage collaboration and communicate make the difference – but there are other aspects too.
Here are 5 of the most significant qualities of a good leader that are so important right now.
1. Wise Delegation
It always seems simple, but delegation is a key aspect of effective leadership that is likely to be tested in the midst of the COVID-19 enforced working scenario. This is because it’s not just about ensuring someone is working on all the individual segments, but that the best people for that task are. And of course, it’s important not to keep on a team member’s case while he or she is focused on an assigned task.
2. Goal Setting
Leaders are able to identify goals and set realistic timetables that everyone can reach, but of course, it’s easier said than done. Goals are important because they provide direction towards a target achievement that everyone feels they are contributing to. Goals need to be specific for individuals, clearly communicated and easily measurable so that everyone can see they are moving forward.
3. Communication
Clear communication is a critical skill for effective leadership. Some managers communicate too little, and others too much; both mistakes can damage overall morale. That’s because team members like to feel in the loop, but not harassed. Give them enough space by having set call-in times; a morning session to start the day, and an afternoon session to learn how everyone has progressed. Most critically, ensure everyone has the information necessary to get their work done.
4. Listen And Recognize
Effective leadership rests solidly on the understanding that it’s a people job. So, when a team member says they have an issue, good team leaders will put work aside, focus and listen. Given the unusual work situation caused by COVID-19, workers might have genuine problems that need to be addressed.
Regardless of the situation, it is important to recognise the contributions being made by each team member. Make sure teams know they are making progress, and it’s down to them as individuals. Consider celebrating milestones with a little fun. Things like prizes or a game – there are lots of possibilities.
5. Keep Morale Up
There is always a temptation to relegate ‘morale’, expecting that if the team leader is happy everyone is happy. But when you consider that a happy team leader is generally one who sees good results, and low morale often means results are poor, there is a clear disconnect. Keeping morale high in the first place is the best way to ensure top results are achieved. It has proven that high morale translates to a more loyal and energized workforce.
