This archive report was first published on 8 June 2020.
Adaptive Leadership in Times of Crisis ¶
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect organisations worldwide, it has exposed the competency of organisational leadership. The question is, how can organisations cushion themselves from uncertainties?
According to Dr. Susan Wasike, a lecturer of management at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, the current crisis is different from anything we've faced before. It is a prolonged and possibly existential challenge for organisations, requiring leaders to be creative and adaptable to sustain their organisations.
Dr. Wasike notes that dynamic adjustments are required to meet the leaders' own personal needs and those of the organisation, and that the workforce is key during critical incidents. A manager's adaptive capacity will translate into successful leadership, she says.
So, what strategies can leaders use to navigate this crisis? Dr. Wasike suggests the following:
- Inclusiveness in decision-making: Leaders should consult other organisational members to avoid decision fatigue and to tap into the knowledge and expertise of their employees.
- Diversity: Diversity is essential to generating innovative ideas, understanding local markets, and acquiring talent. Diverse teams enable more innovative and effective ideas and implementation.
- Empower middle-level managers: Leaders should involve secondary leaders and middle managers to a greater degree than they would during normal operations. This will enable teams to work in shifts to sustain effectiveness over a prolonged crisis.
Dr. Wasike concludes that a crisis brings out the best in leaders, who set aside trivial needs, solidify the organisation together for a shared purpose, and focus on helping others towards achieving the organisational goals.
Dr. Susan Wasike is a lecturer of management at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.
