Political uncertainty leads to economic uncertainty, which, in turn, leads to business uncertainty as people fear for their job security and the future success of their company. What people want, and need, during tough times is strong leadership.
Earlier this year I was lucky enough to attend an Omnicom University seminar and learn from historian Nancy Kohen about the power of leadership, particularly during turbulent times. There are so many critically important attributes that all successful and powerful leaders exhibit: agility, resilience, purpose, integrity, the ability to take risks.
Having the right strategy, and ensuring decisions are being made quickly and implemented effectively, is only half of a leader’s job. It is also critical to ensure that both your people, and the outside world, know what your values are, what you are doing and the impact it is having.
Providing an organisation’s stakeholders with a clear vision, direction and benchmarks for success are the new table stakes. And, to that end, having a powerful communications framework to tell the stories of an organisation through the personal perspective of its senior leaders and subject matter experts has never been more important.
As Nancy Kohen says in this video, leaders are made not born. And in moments of crisis, whether personal, within the organisation, or in the world, it is critical for leaders to stand up and be counted. Of course, actions speak louder than words. But if you don’t tell people about your purpose, what you are doing and the progress you are making then it is impossible for them to follow you.
Never in my lifetime has the world needed powerful positive leaders more. Now is the chance for business and social leaders to rise up and hold the line on standards. To stand up for those who need them most. To show a progressive path forward where we respect one and other and create a positive economic environment where everyone can thrive.
If you’d like to learn more about Storyworks.me, Ketchum’s senior executive visibility programme designed to foster direct relationships between senior leaders and brand stakeholders, please feel free to leave a comment below or reach out directly!
