COVID-19 has not only impacted the global environment but also has transformed the nature of our work habits in many respects as well. Therefore, it is now more important than ever for leaders to be able to overcome challenges in this new age. To facilitate it, certain leadership skills for post-Coronavirus are necessary. Human Resource recruiters can look for these characteristics while recruiting managers, and managers already in important positions can imbibe it to improve the quality of their leadership.

In difficult situations, employees do not look up to, or seek stoicism, rigidity or being controlled. Therefore, the first and most important characteristic is compassion and empathy. It helps leaders to recognize the underlying problem behind bad results, support struggling individuals and help them to develop, and establish deeper connections with staff. Employee solidarity and trust culminates from an empathetic leader. Therefore, even though it may seem like giving excessive direction and orders to employees after the crisis may be the best way to go, it may potentially decrease your overall leadership efficiency. Hold a conversation with the staff once a week to ask how they are handling the situation, offer them flexible schedules, and resources they need to ease their work. These simple gestures can have great impacts on employees.

The COVID-19 has undeniably caused uncertainty at the workplace, which may cause disruptions and panic. A cool and collected head goes a long way in situations such as crisis resolution. The leader must reassure the employees to think rationally rather than be agitated as it can reduce their problem-solving skills. Therefore, the second most important leadership trait is the ability to maintain composure and function effectively in stressful situation.

This goes hand in hand with leaders communicating clearly whatever changes that have occurred in the company, especially if it affects the employees. Contrary to popular belief, employees handle bad news better than vagueness. Honesty in leaders invokes trust, and solidarity – both of which are the cornerstone to employee commitment. In both, personal and professional scenarios, candor, honesty and integrity is the best way to go about.

Several other traits such as communication skills, positivity, intelligence and decisiveness are of great significance for leaders to have. However, the above listed Leadership Skills For Post-Coronavirus are the ones are of paramount importance. This ensures that those in power are leading by example and not just by title.

References :

1. 7 Leadership Traits For The Post COVID-19 Workplace, May 7, 2020, Forbes.