When chaos strikes, that’s when the real “pros” show up. We are in a moment of chaos, and now is our time to lead with purpose, and rethink and recalibrate our actions to meet the opportunities waiting for us post COVID-19.
Purpose-driven leadership expert Ron Tite joined us as our second speaker in our new Virtual Speaker Series to explore what he calls, C2C leadership – chaos to composure. While many of us think moments of crisis vs. calm require different leaders or leadership styles, a good leader knows how to navigate both. It all comes down to the leadership framework they set in place.
Ron is an award-winning advertising writer and creative director for some of the world’s most respected brands, including Air France, Evian, Hershey, Johnson & Johnson, Kraft, Intel, Microsoft, and Volvo. He is also the bestselling author of Think Do Say: How to Seize Attention and Build Trust in a Busy, Busy World — his guidebook to helping businesses stand out, unite, and inspire their employees and customers.
Drawing on his expertise, Ron shared his leadership philosophy to help businesses successfully navigate chaos and come out the other side, stronger.
Leadership Framework
Leadership is about taking specific action based on the information you have to improve the lives of the people around you. Through good times and bad, this is what leaders signed up for.
“During chaos, leaders need to be composed. Once stable, leaders need to introduce chaos,” Ron said.
To do this effectively, it starts with the right framework. Great leaders, Ron said, are:
- Bound by purpose
- Defined by action
- Adopted by communication
Purpose
Great leaders believe in something beyond their job, their title, and the product they sell. They unite their teams through a higher purpose, a shared value of why they do the work that they do. It’s in times of crisis that this is more important than ever — people want to feel like they are working towards something more important than their job description.
It’s a leader’s responsibility to articulate this purpose and use it to define the steps they take. It is this that differentiates you from your competitors, that connects and inspires people, and provides focus on what opportunities are worth pursuing. Best of all, it serves as a uniting force between all of your different stakeholders. A defined purpose will serve your employees, customers, suppliers, shareholders, and your community.
Action
Our actions define us, especially in moments of chaos. It’s crucial in these times to take actions that will re-enforce your purpose, build your credibility, and establish trust. Get involved in the trenches and show your nimbleness and flexibility — it’s through this that leaders can maintain trust and confidence from their team and their greater community.
Most importantly, leaders can use this time to identify new opportunities and pull an “internal coup” to breakdown the establishment. Find new revenue and new efficiencies that will allow you to meet the demands and change that chaos brings with it.
Communication
With a defined purpose and action being taken, clear and authentic communication is then necessary to connect with your community. But, Ron said, it needs to match the situation you are in. Right now, your people don’t need a polished, scripted leader, they need honesty and someone who is as real as the situation they find themselves in.
Use storytelling to remind people of the real reason behind their work — their purpose — and communicate confidently the actions you are taking as a result of this purpose. Show up as your best self, so you can encourage and motivate your staff to do the same.
This is a difficult time we find ourselves in, but through following a framework that prioritizes purpose and fulfilling that purpose, we can get to the other side. As Ron said, how you exit the chaos is more important than how you enter it.
Download Ron’s executive summary of his presentation to learn more about C2C leadership and how to shift your leadership style to meet today’s demands.
Addressing a variety of topics surrounding leadership, corporate strategy, creativity, content, and branding, Ron Tite’s presentations are not only information-packed, they’re also infused with his unique humour — guaranteed to have you laughing while you learn.
Speakers’ Spotlight has been offering virtual presentations since 2009. We work with several speakers who are experienced in delivering virtual presentations on a variety of topics pertinent to today’s changing environment. If interested, contact us for more information.