Leading Through Disruption and Uncertainty
August 19, 2020 – George Floyd’s death and subsequent events are incredibly tragic and disturbing. Taken together with the impact of COVID-19, they have not only shaken the country but also disrupted business as usual. In recent discussions with directors, CEOs and other business leaders, Crenshaw Associates has found that companies have largely taken an aggressive approach to the serious issues of racism, discrimination and social injustice, and acknowledging that leadership has never been more critical.
“These mirror many of the challenges that I have worked and led through during the tech bubble, 9/11 and the financial crisis, as well as chairing diversity counsels,” said the firm’s executive chairman, Bill Glenn, in a recent report. “These are milestones that matter.”
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As such, Mr. Glenn has offered “some self-reflective questions” to help you think through and respond to your stakeholders:
What does your “leadership shadow” say about you? “The longest shadows come from the top,” said the search firm. “If you want to reshape your culture and teach and develop your team you need to model the behavior you want to see.”
Proper Staffing
Being staffed for the task is also essential. “It’s important to have the right person in the right assignment at the right time,” said Mr. Glenn.
Companies also need to look closely at their thinking about diversity and inclusion. “It’s absolutely the right thing to do but avoid thinking about it as an initiative,” said the report. “Initiatives are oftentimes not sustainable. Diversity must be a critical element of your culture, business practices, go-to-market execution and leadership model that will deliver growth and attract and retain the best talent reflecting the voice, face and trends of your key stakeholders.”
Related: 11 Key Strategies for Seeking a New Job During a Pandemic
To achieve full alignment, meanwhile, difficult conversations with employees are vital. Leaders should use purposeful communication to model empathy, transparency, agility and resilience, said Crenshaw Associates.
And lastly, Mr. Glenn urges leaders to pause with a purpose, or as he puts it, “going slow to go fast.” “Ensure leadership alignment against strategy, communication, talent and diversity,” he said.
Top-of-the-Line Talent Services
Established in 1982, Crenshaw Associates provides a host of services for corporations, including advisory services, executive coaching, culture mapping, outplacement/ executive transition and portfolio/ alternative careers, among others. Services for executives include outplacement/ executive transition, integration/onboarding, and career planning.
The firm represents a broad array of companies including public, private, private equity and not-for-profit/public institutions. Among its clients: Verizon, TIAA, Dow Jones, HBO, Necco, BainCapital, and BlackRock.
Related: Working Virtually Keeps Everyone Safe and Productive
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
