Tips for chief executives in difficult times

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The following list is a collection of actions which leaders have suggested are vital during difficult times:

• Appear calm and cheerful.
• Get close to the action – show that you realise the stresses which people are under.
• More than ever, be a role model for the organisation’s values.
• Make sure that members of the leadership team speak with one voice.
• Visit branches - don’t get stuck in head office.
• Show individuals that they are valued (particularly people in backroom jobs who may feel taken for granted).
• Think corporately rather than narrowly.
• Seek out and spread examples of where the organisation has made a real difference to an end user.
• Take tough decisions – prune or park non-essential activities.
• Increase the use of volunteers.
• Look for quick wins to give a sense of progress.

Useful links

• Job description for a chief executive produced by ACEVO
  
• 'Principles of Leadership' produced by the Directory of Social Change
• “The truth about Trust” from the Institute of Leadership and Management
• NCVO have produced a series of publication called “Future Focus”, considering issues such as 'What will our volunteers be like in 5 years’ time?
  
• The Institute of Directors profiles of leaders in their “Director” magazine.
• The Chartered Management Institute run the National Management & Leadership awards.

Have your say

What other actions would you include here? Should a leader be doing these things all the time?

Join in a discussion on the Role of the leader forum.