By Stephenie Smith, MSW
Ever wake up the day after a hard workout or run? What about the morning after a majorly stumped toe? It hurts. Why? Because something happened. As a result, you do must do something differently. You typically adjust your next steps? Perhaps you engage in a much-needed tub soak. You may ice up. At the very least, your gait changes somewhat to a quiet limp.
Something has to change.
Leading during times of change is no different. We must respond, and perhaps, in ways we haven’t before. We must acknowledge and feel the pain. We must also acknowledge the hardship that is affecting those we lead, especially during extraordinarily trying times. Not since 1918, has this country experienced collective health AND financial impact at once. While this virus has effected African Americans, Latinx, and Indigenous people disproportionately- ALL of America has been affected in some way. The coronavirus pandemic is transforming our world. With over 1.1 million cases confirmed (and counting) and just under 70k deaths in the United States, it is thought to be one of the most devastating illnesses in recent history. That alone creates enough encouragement to think critically about what we must do differently. The following are a few equity-centered steps to guide your decision-making:
1. Gain perspective.
Engage those you serve through leadership to better understand their needs
If you lead a large team, gather a diverse group of representatives who can share understanding
2. Put people first.
Make decisions that value people.
Remember there is no profit or delivery of purpose without PEOPLE.
3. Examine the assumptions of every decision.
Every decision is based upon a set of assumptions. For example, some of our team members can work remotely, thus we allow them to do so. However, in this instance we must acknowledge the assumptions that are embedded in this decision. We assume that team members have a safe and conducive space to work from home, that team members have broadband access, that team members have someone who can monitor toddler aged children, etc.
By examining assumptions, you make room to better provide support and accessibility while adequately managing expectations of productivity.
4. Be willing to monitor and adjust along the way.
Remember, these times are unprecedented; meaning, there is no SET way of doing things. Also, when serving PEOPLE, we must be nimble in ways that promote what is best for PEOPLE. Once again, there is no profit or delivery of purpose without PEOPLE.
The bottom line is, things change, which may cause people's needs to change. Don’t wed yourself to one particular solution, instead, be committed to pursuing an equitable process.
William Ward once wrote, "The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails." As leaders, it is up to us… but we are not alone. Leaders are not required to know-it-all or have all the answers. We are however, looked to for responsible and reflective direction. While some people do expect 'perfect' leaders, there is no such thing. Nonetheless, thoughtful, and equitable leadership is to be expected and should be what we all strive to offer those we serve. Leadership is a contact sport. Expect to get hit. You can also expect to be cheered for. When leaders lead with an equity- centered approach, the people are more meaningfully impacted, the outcomes are more sustainable, and systems are more thoroughly challenged; even during challenging times like as these. So, be encouraged and ask yourself, “How have I adjusted the sails?"
Stephenie is co-founder and managing partner of Sophic Solutions, LLC, a change management solutions firm based in Kansas City. Her work is centered in supporting leaders and teams in managing change through an equity lens by providing training and consultation. To learn more visit www.sophicsolutionsgroup.com
