When I’m in the middle of a crisis like this, my monkey mind tells me to run and hide. When I realize I’m afraid, good information helps calm me down.
For Information I trust now, I turn to the 2:00 p.m. daily updates from OH Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted and Dr. Amy Acton. They calm me down and are now a key part of my daily routine.
(Although the OH briefing is specific to our state, their messages about the virus are not. If you’re a business leader, take a look at their powerful communication style and format—then consider adapting it to make it your own.)
I find these OH officials—who I did not know well before this—to be trustworthy in this crisis. They “get real.” They share their personal stories. Like how the DeWines cope with not seeing their grandchildren, plus tributes and stories about the death of their neighbor. How Dr. Acton is mourning the sudden death of a colleague she had spoken to only two days before. They share notes and pictures sent in from real people and admit that their data may not show the full picture.
And because they get real—admit they are human—I trust them more. I connect with them on a personal level. Not just as state officials, but as people going through this with me. What a great lesson in leadership: sometimes showing our own feelings means admitting when things are difficult.
I am not saying you should become Dr. Doom! Leaders need to be confident as they lift people up toward the possibility of a better future. And the more honest and authentic they are, the more they are trusted.
Trust is critical if we are to get through this together! If you’re finding people not really listening or following your lead, what could you do to be more authentic, gain their attention and trust?
Leaders who are authentic—especially during chaos—are the ones people trust and are willing to follow.
When we trust each other, we can go faster and help businesses and our economy bounce back more quickly.
Look at the people you trust most. What are they doing that makes them more trustworthy? What might you learn from them?
Stay safe. Be well. We’ll talk more Monday.
Sallie
