This document provides guidance for leading through difficult times referred to as a "storm". It emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision to guide followers. Leaders must communicate honestly with staff, share challenges openly while inviting help, and break large goals into achievable daily tasks. Leading fairly and by example is key, as is encouraging innovation and new ideas. How a leader guides their team through tough periods will define their legacy.

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LEADING THROUGH THE STORM
New Vision
During our careers, old roads run out and well worn paths disappear. When the landscape
shifts, a new map must be drawn. That map has to be preceded by a vision that describes
the new destination. Leadership is what you do to persuade your followers to come with
you. However, be warned: leadership without a clear vision is not a dream – it’s a
nightmare.
Vision, a little like the horizon, is an ever shifting goal. Great leaders embrace this and
reset their compass to reflect new conditions and new dynamics. Those waiting for the
tide to turn may just run out of fuel, people and power.
Vision needs to be reset and managers need to understand the destination with absolute
clarity. The role of a leader is to create that vision. The role of managers is to deliver the
destination.
Leadership Basics
Followers and staff imitate their leaders. Good leadership defines the brand, great leaders
make sure managers and followers buy into and deliver the brand. In stormy waters, the
rapid rise of a bad leader is a certain path to sinking fast. Storms bring pirates and pirates
won’t be forgotten. Perish the thought of pirates getting into positions of power. For sure;
a storm will expose their true ability.
A storm frightens lots of people. Some thrive, some perish, others panic. We are all
different and the loud bang of thunder, big scary seas and dark clouds will elicit a
kaleidoscope of reactions. What frightens me may not frighten you, what inspires me
may not inspire you but one thing is sure, a simple message will have many different
interpretations. The need for a measured response to a threatening climate was never
more important.
John Quincy Jones said: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do
more and become more, then you are a leader”
Leading Through a Storm: 20 Thoughts
1. Level with staff. The truth. It’s the false promises that create mayhem.
2. Integrity is earned, not broadcast. Respect is crucial, popularity dangerous. Within
reason, share the challenge and invite help.
3. Avoid ‘team building’ outings. They are like fireworks – fun, exciting, short lived
and useless. Real team building comes through sharing hard work.
4. Make time (but not too much) for one on one chats. Different people have
different needs.
5. Ask for help from your staff. How they respond will teach you a lot about each
person and their abilities, their interests, their aspirations and their limitations.
6. Avoid future promises of great rewards. Sometimes some people won’t make it to
the future.

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7. Break the challenge into daily bite-sized chunks. You can’t solve everything in
one day, but a week can be a long time when doing the right thing, the right way.
8. Avoid huge bursts of optimism – they can be dangerous and misleading.
9. Have time to reflect. Every map needs to be revisited, especially when you are not
familiar with the road ahead.
10. Stick with facts, not fiction. Remember… Move from “we think“ to “we know”
11. Set clear and measurable short term goals. The big picture is not today, the future
is now.
12. Be equal and be fair. There is no time for favoritism, politics or personal agendas.
13. Remember that true motivation comes from achievement. Achievement comes
from sheer hard work as a team.
14. Kill inertia. There is never time to do nothing.
15. Lead by example. Lead from the front. Today, we know Superman doesn’t exist.
If he does, he’s late!
16. Create a fail safe environment… an environment where it’s encouraged to voice a
new idea. Now is the time for ideas, innovation and creative thinking. Now is the
time to work as a team.
17. Squash gossip and gossip leaders. There are enough external threats to contend
with.
18. Encourage and share wisdom. Now is a great time to teach… and learn.
19. Restructure yourself as well as your business. Encourage your people to do the
same.
20. Always remember that how you lead today will define your legacy tomorrow.
Storms will pass and the waters will calm. Good leaders will prevail and the natural
order will be restored. No matter how tough, challenging and difficult the challenge,
remember that wonderful saying: “When you are going through Hell… keep going”