We are already at the end of a challenging year. So much of it has been a blur as we’ve scrambled to reinvent our work and daily habits to adapt to a persistent global pandemic. We are heading into 2021 knowing that our best-laid plans will be quickly undone without warning. How do we survive and thrive in such a risky and unpredictable environment?
Leadership expectations have changed during the pandemic. During isolation, people have been scrutinizing the ripple effects of good and bad leadership decisions.
The good news is that we’ve learned some things as we navigated our challenges this year. Today I’m sharing 10 Leadership Strategies for Thriving in 2021 that span many different leadership roles. Implementing all of them well can propel us forward in the current high-visibility, high-stakes environment.
10 Leadership Strategies For Thriving in 2021
Our implementation of each of these 10 Leadership Strategies will be closely watched by constituents in the coming year. Addressing each of them carefully and plugging any gaps will prepare us for our best chance of success as we head into 2021.
1. Clearly Define Ethics to Guide Company-Wide Decisions
Tell people how you’ll be making ethical decisions. Don’t leave the process to chance.
2. Prioritize What Employees Need Most
Focus on what your employees need. They are the ones keeping the organization afloat and they need your support.
3. Run More Unusual “What-If” Cases
Think beyond expected scenarios to what else could happen. We’ve learned this year that ‘standard scenarios’ don’t help us navigate rapidly changing situations.
4. Put Health and Safety First
Make sure that health and safety take priority over money in organizational decision making.
5. Keep Priorities Crystal Clear
Share the top priorities of the organization and ask everyone to help achieve them.
6. Create a Culture of Reciprocal Care
Build a people-friendly culture where people feel safe and protected.
7. Get Employees Involved in Company Decisions
Open up decision making to the people who know the work challenges.
8. Exceed Customer Expectations
Aim higher. Doing what people expect you to do won’t be enough when other organizations are doing much more.
9. Be Willing To Reverse or Adapt Decisions
Show that new information and guidance leads to new decisions. Be willing to adapt decisions as things change.
10. Integrate Brand, Culture and Ethics
Align your message and your actions. Gaps are easy to see and they damage your brand.
By Linda Fisher Thornton