In times of crisis, leaders must strike a balance between running too hot or too cold. Failing to do so could cause the lid to blow off the pressure cooker.Â
Here are three questions to ask yourself as you lead a team through tough times:Â
What is most urgent in the short term should not get in the way of what is important in the long term. At least, not for too long.
Once we have fixed what is urgent in a crisis, we may well feel we deserve a good rest. But not forever! Did you hear yourself saying, “When COVID-19 is over, we will address this problem.” Remember to take the time now (or as soon as you can) before the next crisis unfolds. Â
Being compassionate involves asking your team what their sanctuary is – their “go-to” place for energy and joy. They might have lost touch with this, and it’s also a good way to bond as a team.
However, there is a balance to be had between containment and compassion. If you overdo compassion, you risk pushing people into the learned helplessness trap. In essence, it’s about combining being caring and understanding with being a bit strict. Are you being understanding and sensitive towards other people’s signals, just as much as you are being crystal clear about expectations? Because that’s where psychological safety lies.Â
Energy is not a given and must be generated and channeled internally. Here are five ideas to help you to reenergize:
Why not double up on praise, recognition, and feedback? You can do almost anything when you are recognized for your work and are told why.Â
In the first of a series of five brain circuits on effective communication for leaders, Robert Vilkelis provides techniques to help manage your nerves and deliver a high-impact presentation by focusing on...
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Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel KahnemanÂ
In the first of a series of five brain circuits on effective communication for leaders, Robert Vilkelis provides techniques to help manage your nerves and deliver a high-impact presentation by focusing on...
Leaders who do not recognize their own blockers deny themselves the opportunity to think autonomously and self-critically. Consult the following checklist to gauge whether you are internally “blocked” and read on for...
July 22, 2025 • by Katharina Lange in Brain Circuits
Rather than choosing between crisis mode and future planning, leaders should learn to focus simultaneously on both short and long-term goals....
Practicing a speech is intimidating. Not only do you have to know your stuff, but you also have to think about your structure, your gestures, and your audience. Here’s how to use...
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