In a faraway place lived an arrogant king who was advised by his people
to prepare for an incoming dreaded disease. The king arrogantly told his people
that they need not worry because he will immediately kill the dreaded disease
the moment it arrives in his kingdom. Soon after, the dreaded disease arrived
and because of his arrogance and laxity his kingdom was ravaged by the dreaded
disease.
How does one exercise leadership in the era of Covid-19? Effective
leaders during this time should be proactive in anticipating what can occur
ahead. For example, due to the flat economic activity lay-offs of employees
would seem predictable. However, a good leader/manager must not only look at
lay-offs as a solution to sustain the survival of the organization. Temporary
reduction of working days should also be looked at as an alternative until the
economic activity begins to increase and normalize.
Ego-tripping and the mindset of I am the only voice in the organization
must be discarded. Leaders who are ego-tripper and power-tripper are insecure
thus they are not good leaders. Leaders during these extra-ordinary times must
be humble but decisive and they must listen to the other well-intentioned
voices in the organization.
Countries that are being severely ravaged by the Covid-19 virus are
countries who took action reactively. They belatedly instituted measures to
counter the pandemic when it was already in their territories. For example,
belatedly imposing travel restrictions.
Other countries took action proactively they closed their borders ahead
of time. They immediately quarantined and monitored those whom they suspected
to be carriers of the Covid-19 virus. They also proactively imposed travel
restrictions ahead of time.
Leaders who are talkative are also strongly admonished to do away with
this ego-infested mindset. Because this only exposes their incompetence the
more they talk the more that they waste the precious time of their employees.
Excessive talking is cheap during times of emergencies. What the people wants
from their leaders are concrete acts of leadership.
