How to Lead in a Crisis

Person-centered Leadership Lessons from the Grand Canyon

Every leader is experiencing crisis right now as we try to adapt to and mitigate the pandemic, the downturn, and many fundamental cultural changes. 

An old way of leading in a crisis is to adopt the drill sergeant, goal-oriented approach. “Buck up and follow me,” the sergeant cries. “I don’t want to hear about your doubts or your fears. I can see the goal and you all better make it happen. It’s too urgent for discussion or inclusion.” 

But that kind of leadership is not useful, effective, or sustainable. I learned, in my career as an outdoor guide, that person-centered leadership builds more capacity, creates a stronger group, and actually makes leadership more enjoyable and rewarding. 

Watch the video for a true story about how I implemented person-centered leadership while a literal storm was approaching my group in the Grand Canyon. 

Key Leadership Management Takeaways

• Call others to leadership and greatness - This spreads the load and gives others opportunities to grow
  
• Offer empathy and choice to those who are struggling. Shame or demands only decrease intrinsic motivation and energy.
  
• Be willing to walk with those who are most in doubt.