Investing in the future

Senior managers and corporate leaders are ‘programmed’ to take on extra activities, problems and anxieties. In times of uncertainty the temptation to take on more can be overwhelming. Our tips for senior leaders are:

• Set a culture of ‘we’re in this together’. Accept that humility can be powerful.
• Work more closely with your own peer group. Work with each other to resist the temptation to centralise. A key part of your role now is not to do but to instil confidence around a clear, long-term vision.
• Share the information you have: involve others in the Big Issues. Empower and support middle managers. Push responsibility further down the organisation than you would normally dare; shorten communication lines (if you can make this visible you will automatically start to attract your next generation of leaders).
• Create openness (starting with yourself). Explain concerns, admit mistakes, share learning. Don’t over promise.
• Let everyone around you see that you value them.
• Try to focus at least 50% of your time on ‘external’ things. Be open with your stakeholders – they may be more understanding and patient than you’re allowing yourself to believe.

Middle and junior managers tend to be pulled between the demands from the top and demands from staff and customers. This group may be particularly anxious about their personal futures. Now is the time to: