Everyone looks like a superstar when a gale force wind blows behind them. Strong tailwinds make average performers look special. As one leader we know likes to say, “Even turkeys fly in hurricanes.” Headwinds, on the other hand, expose who is truly exceptional.
If you can lead through tough times, you level up. You truly become a "Level 5 Leader". I would dare to say that most small to midsize companies fail because the lack of good leadership during tough times. One of the challenges I've experienced is that some leaders are so disconnected during "good times" that when tough times come around, they try to compensate for their lack of involvement and end up pushing really good employees away because they direct their frustration at them instead of the actual challenge. Thanks for sharing, great read.
When things are good, people tend to worry less about small issues. When times are tough, the profitability and cash flow become the main focus and if you were not paying attention to things such as waste ( extra materials, trucks, trips etc), it suddenly hits you and you try to overcompensate, but end up really making things worse.
If you can lead through tough times, you level up. You truly become a "Level 5 Leader". I would dare to say that most small to midsize companies fail because the lack of good leadership during tough times. One of the challenges I've experienced is that some leaders are so disconnected during "good times" that when tough times come around, they try to compensate for their lack of involvement and end up pushing really good employees away because they direct their frustration at them instead of the actual challenge. Thanks for sharing, great read.
Why do you think that tendency exists Raphael? The one you mentioned about disconnection happening during good times?
When things are good, people tend to worry less about small issues. When times are tough, the profitability and cash flow become the main focus and if you were not paying attention to things such as waste ( extra materials, trucks, trips etc), it suddenly hits you and you try to overcompensate, but end up really making things worse.
What a great "broken clock right twice a day" variant.