Corporations & Covid-19: A Call to Leadership

Amidst the largest public health crisis of our time, corporations have the unique opportunity to thoughtfully engage and lead their people and the communities around them. In the global and domestic market, the last week has been less than ideal. In addition, the promise of a short timeframe for recovery is looking slim, as realistically things will most likely continue to become worse before they start to get better. 

With all of the instability, the easiest thing to do would be to hunker down through the crisis and to play it safe, reduce spending, and adapt a “wait-and-see” mentality while you watch the world try to sort itself out. And while this may certainly feel like the best option available now, we dare to say that what your people and your community need you to do is to step more fully into who you are: as a leader, as a company, and as a thought leader and contributor to your broader community

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Enter In

Begin with your own organization - enter in and do not shy away. Which members in your organization are the least secure? Which members will be affected first and most by the instability? Enter into your organization more deeply to see what needs to be seen. You hold a unique role in peoples’ lives, and have visibility that others do not. With this visibility comes a responsibility: to know your people and to know their needs.

Plan As You Can

Are difficult conversations coming, if x, y, z scenario plays out in the upcoming weeks or months? How can you mitigate the damage to your people? The more you can plan ahead, the better prepared you will be to navigate the coming times. Remember that clear is kind - lead with transparency and openness. You do not need to have all the answers - you just need to be committed to figuring it out.

Broaden Your Perspective

How is the broader community fairing? Are there ways you can mobilize (virtually or safely otherwise) your people, your corporation, or your resources to care for the broader community? Whether this is facilitating ways for your people to more intentionally share their own resources or a directed campaign you facilitate through the corporation, consider giving your people pathways to feel like they are impacting the greater community for positive impact and change. People want to feel useful and want to feel that they are making a difference. By organizing methods by which people can do this, you are building hope and agency within your organization. 

Look To Other Leaders

What are other leaders in the community expressing is the biggest need? Whether it is food instability, lack of transportation, or insecure housing, get a pulse on the need of your community so that you can engage your people to help. Through collective resources, energy, and care, your organization can deeply impact the broader community. 

Perhaps if we condense this all down, it simplifies into a series of questions. What do you want to be remembered for, as this crisis hit your community? And what legacy do you want to sow for the seasons ahead?


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