Crisis Leadership: Lessons Learned From the COVID Pandemic

Abstract

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had unique and profound personal and professional challenges for everyone. However, this is not the first or last health care crisis we will face. There are clear lessons learned from historical examples and the current pandemic that can be utilized to tackle future challenges. In this article a combination of personal experience, interviews with respected leaders, and literature were used to reflect on lessons learned as a leader navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Key components to leadership through a crisis include communication, flexibility, patience, teamwork, resiliency, and understanding individuals' struggles. What was clear is that the ability of the health care system and the people that drive it to adapt and evolve so rapidly to the COVID-19 pandemic was truly remarkable.

Leading through multiple disruptions in a printing organisation in Durban, South Africa.

“…During the multiple disruptions, leaders found themselves being reactive to situations that were unfamiliar and making decisions without completely assessing the situation or the outcome of the action taken. It is key for leaders to be patient and acknowledge all factors before deciding on a solution during a crisis.The pause-assess-anticipate-act cycle will allow leaders to be patient, assess the situation and review from multiple angles, continuously collect information anticipate what will happen next based on the decision made, and then act (Glotzbecker, 2022).…”

“…Even if decisions need to be made immediately, if leaders are aware of this process, they will eventually stop, think, and reflect before taking further steps. This process will also allow leaders to make decisions with more confidence as the situation would have been well assessed and the outcome predicted (Glotzbecker, 2022).…”