Psychologists have tried to identify which leadership behaviors were seen as the most helpful ones from an employee perspective during the COVID-19 pandemic
COVID-19 has had a profound impact on the way we work. In many industries, remote work and home offices have become a widespread standard, other industries were hit so hard that many people lost their jobs. As every crisis situation, the COVID crisis also involves a high degree of uncertainty.
What kind of leadership do employees in organizations experience and value during such times of crisis and uncertainty? A study among 155 workers from different industries in the Philippines tried to find an answer. The researchers conducted an online survey with open questions, asking the participants to describe which traits or behaviors of their leaders they considered as particularly helpful during times of crisis.
The three pillars of effective leadership in times of crisis
Let us start with the conclusion. The results of the study highlight, as the researchers write in their paper in the Leadership & Organization Development Journal, “the importance of care and compassion in leading employees during difficult times.” (p. 630).
The most helpful leadership traits and behaviors could be clustered into three main themes (p. 635):
- “Attending to the person” – leaders being compassionate and showing care for the employees. That includes, for example, being empathic, acknowledging and addressing concerns and fears, and showing understanding for a difficult personal situation of team members. Trying to keep the workload at a manageable level also falls under this category.
- “Taking charge and showing the way forward” – leaders acting fast and proactively addressing the challenges. Decisiveness and a clear solutions-orientation of leaders were seen as particularly important by the employees. This also means giving the team hope and assuring them that there is a positive way forward even in times of uncertainty and crisis.
- “Sustaining the spirit” – leaders showing presence and being a source of positivity. Being visible, ongoing open communication, and staying positive with a calm and cool mind “amidst the storm” can help the team to gain confidence and feel safe and secure.
It is easier to see the difference of good and bad leadership in times of crisis than during times of sunshine. The results of this study give us insights into what team members expect from their leaders in uncertain high-stress situations
Let us start with the conclusion. The results of the study highlight, as the researchers write in their paper in the Leadership & Organization Development Journal, “the importance of care and compassion in leading employees during difficult times.” (p. 630).
The most helpful leadership traits and behaviors could be clustered into three main themes (p. 635):
- “Attending to the person” – leaders being compassionate and showing care for the employees. That includes, for example, being empathic, acknowledging and addressing concerns and fears, and showing understanding for a difficult personal situation of team members. Trying to keep the workload at a manageable level also falls under this category.
- “Taking charge and showing the way forward” – leaders acting fast and proactively addressing the challenges. Decisiveness and a clear solutions-orientation of leaders were seen as particularly important by the employees. This also means giving the team hope and assuring them that there is a positive way forward even in times of uncertainty and crisis.
- “Sustaining the spirit” – leaders showing presence and being a source of positivity. Being visible, ongoing open communication, and staying positive with a calm and cool mind “amidst the storm” can help the team to gain confidence and feel safe and secure.
It is easier to see the difference of good and bad leadership in times of crisis than during times of sunshine. The results of this study give us insights into what team members expect from their leaders in uncertain high-stress situations.
Key takeaway for smart leaders
- If you lead a team through times of crisis, make sure to show care for the concerns and fears of the individual team members, take charge and show them a way forward, and sustain the team spirit by showing presence and being a source of positivity.
Research reference: This blogpost is based on the findings of the following research study: Caringal-Go, J. F., Teng-Calleja, M., Franco, E. P., Manaois, J. O., & Zantua, R. M. S. (2021). Crisis leadership from the perspective of employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Leadership & Organization Development Journal, 42 (4), 630-643.
Illustration: © Eva Kobin
