Leading in Crisis

Sidewalk in Towson, MD

There are probably 6,000 books about leading in a crisis or leading in challenging times or leading during times of change. I think I have several myself, unread, on my book shelf. During the Great Recession of 2008-2009, I was a Senior Associate with our firm. I wasn't at the table making the tough decisions. I was watching those decisions play out and helping staff cope with them while my wife and I coped with them ourselves. I came away from that crisis with a tremendous level of trust in the folks who were making those decisions and respect for they process they went through to make those decisions. That trust and respect continues to this day. 

Now, during this Coronavirus Pandemic, I'm one of the Principals who, along with the Sr Principals, may be faced with making those tough decisions. Not something I relish doing, but it comes with the job and I did ask for this job. So, what have I been doing to prepare myself? Working as hard as I possibly can to prevent us having to make those tough decisions: reviewing A/R daily, contacting clients about paying us, contacting clients about new work, pursuing the RFP's that are out there with laser focus and trying to keep our team focused on producing work of high quality and doing it as efficiently as possible. I trust the other leaders in our firms, including our Associates and Sr Associates are doing the same. 

I think the firms and organizations that come out of this pandemic with strength will share one common trait: leadership. This is a rhetorical question because I really don't want this to turn into a political discussion but how do you feel about your local elected leaders? I bet your level of concern and knowledge about this pandemic and the level of trust in what is happening is related to how you feel about your local elected leaders. The same is true for companies and organizations. 

Camp Grimes, NC

Those who follow this blog know that I am active in my son's boy scout troop. This is a challenging time to be involved in scouting. The issues with our national organization have  put a strain on local councils, though many of them remain solvent, strong and active. Now all of a sudden, we cannot meet face to face or go hiking or camping. Our troop committee, which I chair, made the tough decision this week to not travel out of state for our week long summer camp but instead plan something ourselves with our scouts that we can execute locally and safely. 

The units that survive, I believe, will have strong and creative leadership. My own troop took a wait and see approach for the first few weeks our schools were closed. We then put a Zoom meeting together that was attended by every single scout in our troop. It was fun and silly and not much was accomplished but we saw each other and heard what was going on in each scout's life. We took the next week off for Easter, but this past weekend we did a camp out in each scout's back yard. My son collected firewood for our fire pit. I set up my tent and we had a fun Zoom with the scouts and then slept in my own back yard! We had another Zoom the next morning to see what everyone was cooking. My son made an excellent sausage and peppers omelet and we both ate outside. 

It was a fun overnight. I couldn't remember the last time I camped. It was probably September or October 2019. I miss it and this weekend was a great time for me and hopefully for my son and all our scouts. 

I have also been watching some of our local small businesses and what they are doing to survive. Our favorite Italian restaurant is struggling in a take-out only world. The son of the founder runs the kitchen and the times we've ordered take out, he and one other person are there. He has scant orders each night. Part of the appeal to the restaurant for us is the people. The wait staff is stellar and the food excellent, when you dine in. The food is not as good for take out. If as many loyal customers as possible don't support them now, they will close for good. 

On the other hand, my favorite local brewery seems to be doing good carry out business. About two years ago, they moved into a large, commercial building they own and recruited like minded tenants for the rest of the building, all locally owned, with one exception. There is a craft ice cream shop, distillery, coffee roaster and rock climbing gym all adjacent to the tap room and brewing complex. There is a pizza kitchen in the tap room. Its a very cool place to visit, especially when the weather is nice and the outdoor patio is open. Now, the climbing gym is closed and the other essential companies can do carry out only. The brewer took the lead, and utilizing the e-tail already in place with the pizza kitchen, are allowing visitors to carry out the beer, liquor, pizzas, ice cream and the wares of other locally owned merchants from their website and delivering or doing curb side pick up. 

We've made it a Friday night staple the past 3-4 Fridays where I go down and pick up beer and make-your-own pizza kits. I mentioned these in my last post and my son out did himself this past Friday. You pick up outside their tap room where they set up a table on the sidewalk under the cover of their awning. There are hand sanitizer stations on both ends of the table. They painted stripes on the sidewalk 6' apart to help us maintain safe distance as we wait our turn. The past 2 trips, the staff was wearing gloves and masks. I wore a mask the past 2 trips as well. They are making it known that they are open for business and keeping their people safe at the same time. 

Camp Grimes, NC

Look around at who is leading your company and the companies you do business with. Are they protecting their employees? Are they thinking creatively to solve problems, maintain their current business and perhaps expand that business? If they are, stick with them through this, support them and be safe while doing it. Companies that protect their employees and their business interests are worth supporting.