Three things successful leaders do in a crisis

No matter how successful an organization is, there is bound to be an occasional time of crisis, despite whether the originating source is internal or external. Nonetheless, it is a commonly held belief that true leadership capacity emerges and is tested in such difficult times. This is because performance under stress may expose both strengths and developmental areas.

Below are three things that describe successful leaders in a crisis:

• • Successful leaders are brave. If your employees continue to witness bravery on your part throughout a crisis, they will in turn reciprocate with their own bravery.
• • Successful leaders possess positive attitudes from start to finish. By keeping a positive attitude throughout the entire ordeal, you will surely keep morale high—especially in periods of uncertainty.
• • Successful leaders are accountable for their victories and their losses.

Regarding this latter point, Inc. had this to add:

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Good leaders own up to when they make mistakes. After all, we are all human, and someone who is too proud to admit their own mistake is not likely to be someone that others will follow. Taking responsibility for any actions that you have taken that could have contributed to the crisis will be a good way to prompt your employees into working on the situation with you wholeheartedly, instead of just because they have to.

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For other factors that separate the best leaders in situations of crisis, please see Inc.