Business as unusual: 6 ways the Coronavirus pandemic has affected leaders

THNK — 8 June 2021

In March 2020, the coronavirus was starting to send shockwaves around the world, changing demands and pressures on leaders. To help leaders tread new paths through uncharted territory, CURVE created a research study with Zurich University’s Center for Leadership and the Future of Work to track the changes facing 30 leaders in the US and UK. The participants were leaders in organizations ranging from startups to global corporations. They were a mix of women and men with differing home situations. Throughout the research, the leaders were asked to reflect through journaling on the intense period of work they experienced as the weeks went on, highlighting the pressing need to slow down and reconnect, not only with themselves but with their loved ones, peers, and natural environment in this time of uncertainty.

Six themes emerged:

• compassionate leadership and the emerging importance of emotional well-being

• building resilience to stop feeling overwhelmed

• cultural innovation by changing how leaders interact with employees remotely

• giving and receiving support by encouraging conversations about emotional turmoil

• maintaining boundaries by separating work and leisure

• coping mechanisms and recognizing their importance for mental and physical well-being

Article by John Monks