"Leadership in Times of Crisis"

The year 2020 has brought us many challenges. Foremost among them has been a crisis of leadership. What has really been challenged has been the resiliency of our leaders, how calm and courageous they have been in the midst of difficulty. Along with this challenge, has been how leaders, who in many cases have been less scrutinized than ever, have performed in their everyday tasks. In this time of Zoom meetings and other non in-person contacts, how have leaders done their jobs to the best way possible? How intentional have leaders lived their lives?

In times of chronic crisis, we certainly cannot fault someone for being more casual and less formal in their appearance as a leader. In a way our Covid times have been refreshing in recognizing that the quality of leadership is deeper than what we can see on the outside. The ethical question has been whether that same casualness has intruded upon our work output and creativity. Have people working largely from home seriously carried out their jobs in the same or similar ways as if they were at their workplace?

The quality of an organization begins with the leader. When it comes to leadership of organizations, motivation of others to do their best work and to have integrity for an organization is all important in terms of performance. First and foremost, will be the quality and commitment of the work of the leader. If a leader regularly communicates with the constituency, works creatively to motivate others who work with him/her, and reflects calm and courageous values that leader will most likely be a part of an organization which continues to be resilient in the face of any crisis. Certainly, the importance of giving thanks for the work of all is very important. Second, there is the availability of the leader in the time of crisis. Quite often that begins with acknowledging the difficulty of the times and their willingness, or the willingness of others in the organization, to be there if help is desired. Third, the leader must show empathy to those whom he/she leads. Especially in times of chronic crisis it is not enough to show character and creativity, but there must be a sincere effort to listen to and have sympathy for the individuals in the congregation he/she leads.

Certainly 2020 will be hard to measure in terms of output and quantity of work, often done in home space. But if the expectations are kept high, motivation is given, and the importance of a job well done is worthy, even if no one will know for sure you did it, the quality of work and of relationships that are part of it will be maintained. Through it all, the true character and quality of the leader, as well as of his/her followers will be known.