Responding to coronavirus – leading in uncertain times

Discover how to respond to coronavirus, leading to uncertain times.

– 5 mins read –

We are living in extraordinary times. Coronavirus (COVID-19) has stopped normal life as we know it in its tracks. As I write this, all but one country in the world is infected. This is the first threat in history that requires us to come together and form a collective response – it is not “us against them” but rather “we are all in it together”. The word for threat in Mandarin also means opportunity. We must find the courage and resolve within ourselves to respond to this threat by finding the opportunity within. What an extraordinary moment in history that we find ourselves at – such is the interdependency of the modern world that we can now truly turn to face this threat together.

In the stark light of a threat that endangers the lives and livelihood of every single one of us, our values and attitudes are shifting in seismic ways – this is humanity’s collective moment to pause. This is the moment to stop, take stock and realign with our internal values. It is by trusting ourselves and digging deep that we will find the courage and inspiration to be our best selves and shine in the face of this threat.

Herein lies the opportunity because, however long this lasts, we will surely be living in a different world afterwards, the question is what will that new world look like? This is where inspirational leadership – leadership that is guided by purpose and values – is key to create the bridge to the future. Leaders in organizations everywhere need to find the ability to provide the way forwards for the people they lead. This will take courage, love and humility.

“The capacity is there. The crisis is the catalyst”

Sir John Whitmore