Executives in top positions can still be considered as satisfactory or adequate in their performances.
In the dynamic and unpredictable world of business, the concept of "Good Enough Leadership" has emerged as a valuable approach to navigating crises. This leadership style, proposed by Howard Stein and Seth Allcorn in a 2014 paper, emphasizes the importance of calmness, clarity, trust, preparation, visibility, values, and empowering people within an organization.
Ben Bryant, a professor of leadership and organisation at IMD, has written about this approach, emphasizing its relevance in today's complex and crisis-prone business environment. Good Enough Leadership encourages leaders to be visible and prepared, communicate clearly, build trust, and empower their teams, rather than striving for perfection.
In a crisis, seeking perfection can be paralyzing. Good Enough Leadership acknowledges this and encourages leaders to demonstrate a steady presence and foster trust, enabling the organization to navigate uncertainty more resiliently. This contrasts with traditional expectations of flawless leadership, focusing instead on effective, practical leadership behaviors.
Effective crisis leadership also requires key business leadership skills such as risk-taking informed by data, integrity, self-awareness and humility, interpersonal skills, and the ability to contain emotions. By embracing these qualities, leaders can lead decisively without fear of making mistakes or the pursuit of unattainable perfection.
Regular crisis management exercises are crucial for ensuring that each part of the organization knows what to do when a crisis strikes. Chief executives should be visible during a crisis but should not pretend to know everything or try to do everything. Allowing others to confront external reality can strengthen both the organization and the leader's position.
Good Enough Leadership breaks away from the binary of "hard" and "soft" leadership. It involves setting parameters and explaining the way forward, but allowing teams to work on how to get there. Leaders who are always available, including nights and weekends, aren't helping anyone; their teams need to develop their own coping skills.
Moreover, effective leaders need to articulate a clear view of the organization's values. Allowing others to glimpse a leader's vulnerability helps to forge better connections and deeper trust. Leaders need to manage their own anxieties before a crisis develops, and they must be willing to admit what is wrong but assure the organization they can handle it.
In summary, Good Enough Leadership means leading with steady resolve, clear communication, strong values, and empowered teams rather than seeking perfect solutions. This approach is highly applicable and beneficial for managing crises in today’s dynamic business environment.
[1] Bryant, B. (2021). Containing your emotions gives others space to express their feelings. I by IMD, March issue. [5] Stein, H., & Allcorn, S. (2014). Good Enough Leadership: A Framework for Leading in a Complex World. Harvard Business Review, March-April issue.
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