Leadership Simplified: Doug Van Dyke

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Leading in Turbulent Times

Volume: June 2009

By Doug Van Dyke, Leadership Simplified, www.leadershipsimplified.com 

One size does not fit all. We discover this concept early in life when we try on some shoes/sneakers we like, only to find out that they are too big or too small. In turn, we try on other pairs until we get the right fit. Similarly, when it comes to leadership, one style does not fit all. For example, an amiable style may serve a leader well when general trends are favorable, however, during a time of crisis a more authoritative approach is usually more effective. Surprisingly, this nuance is lost on many leaders. They just tend to lead according to their personality type, as opposed to leading with intent and purpose based on a situation. These leaders may be functional, but they are far from optimal.

So what is a leader to do? What are some leadership qualities that should be on their radar? Well, take a deep breath, look in the mirror, and stand up real straight. Then, review the following four items and weave them into your world as appropriate. 

Be Directive – most fire rescue units will teach people that when faced with an emergency, such as someone becoming unconscious, one person needs to take the lead and become autocratic. They teach to point to a person and say: “you, dial 9-1-1,” and to another person, “you, get a moist towel,” and so on. In other words, they teach leaders to take over when faced with a crisis. Likewise, near the end of a very close football game, what happens? That’s right, the quarterback takes charge. And it is very obvious that they are in control. During tense situations, team members expect someone to take control and lead. When someone does not appear to have control, bad outcomes happen.
Bottom Line: If you work situation is a bit tense, take over, and get more directive. People are looking for strong – very strong – leadership. Team members desire leadership that articulates a path out this fray. Don’t be shy or meek, take the reins and lead your people.  

Inform – filmmakers are masters at raising the tension level of a movie. How do they do it? It’s simple. They create a tense scene and then they add more intrigue, while sharing little information with the audience. Sound like your work world? Hopefully not. 
Bottom Line: Don’t fill your workplace with drama. Communicate! Tell people what is going on – frequently. Even if the prognosis is challenging, shoot straight about the situation. People will respect you for your candor, and also be able to focus on what they can do to help. 

Show Confidence – I guarantee that if you appear shaken or defeated by tough circumstances, your team will be toast. Now is the time to exhibit proud body language – shoulders back, unwavering eye contact, a bold stride. Take note that your confidence should not appear to be fake. As leaders, we must be genuine, authentic. Your confident air delivers assurance that you and your organization are executing the best strategy possible. Couple this with purposeful psychological cues geared to build pragmatic positivism in your workplace and half the battle is won. 
Bottom Line: One does not always lead with words. Lead by your actions, and deliver your actions with panache.

Notice Behaviors – this is listed last, but perhaps it the most important ingredient for you to embrace. A big part of any recession is behavioral. It is natural; we are clannish beasts. Thus, it makes sense that we would embrace a collective mindset. When times are good, a positive collective mindset propels momentum upward. When times are tougher, a work group can easily fall into a negative mindset, which artificially propels morale (and results) downward. Particularly, when blistered by every-angle negatives from the media. As such, be astute to snide comments from team members. Offhand comments such as, “Yeah, like good times are going to happen again anytime soon,” may seem harmless, but they are not. These comments are poison, and they send a negative signal to co-workers that breeds negativity, and lowers moral. Nip negativity in the bud. In the process, encourage your people to be realistic about the marketplace.
Bottom Line: Negativity is a killer. Do not let it breed in your workplace. Likewise, take a look in mirror regarding your behaviors and comments. Are they positive and inspiring? I bet they are – make certain it is consistently so.

Turbulent times come and go. No one can predict their exact pattern. The best leaders learn a lot during challenging times. Focus and alter your leadership style to deliver the best result based on specific situations. Take charge – your people thirst for it!   

Doug Van Dyke is a leadership and communication consultant, executive coach, and business planner. His book, Leadership Simplified, as well as audios and video are available at the Productivity Store of www.leadershipsimplified.com. To learn more about consulting services, coaching, and training, or to have Doug speak at your next event, contact him today at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or at 941-776-1121.

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