During lockdown, the exceptional leaders will be those that can mix these behaviours with an authentic personal manner to bring your club through in a strong position

Article by Rtn Carol Coffey, District 9670 Membership Chair

Exceptional Leadership Behaviour

I would like to share ‘5 Behaviours of Exceptional Leaders in Lockdown’, that I noted from Stacey Kelly, Principal of Seed People Consulting.

Working with leaders and organisations across a cross-section of industries throughout the global pandemic, she notes five behaviours that her organisation has consistently identified rising to the top for exceptional leaders during our lockdown.

Demonstrating empathy

The uncertainty, may increase levels of sensitivity; we need to be empathetic to others unprecedented work and family pressures that develop. This is more evident if home schooling, and caring demands for children and the elderly is increased through lockdown.

Creating connection

Many are suffering from ‘Zoom fatigue’, a phone call or SMS, may be all that is needed. Perhaps the ‘Zoom’ meeting does not have to be about club business, just a fun chat with trivia, quizzes or a drink.

My own club has had a think tank on this very subject – we just held an amazing Greek cooking night, led by one of our members (check it out on the Rotary Club of East Maitland Facebook site). We all look forward to an upcoming cocktail night – this will be a dress up and drinks night and should be a bit of fun. We regularly get 25-30 members, family and Rotaractors to our weekly Zoom meetings/activities.

My husband PDG Brian Coffey, has been engaged with clubs in D9705, D9685 and our own D9670 talking on a variety of topics from Opportunities to BREW Fellowship. There are plenty of speakers outside your area prepared to help you out and introduce variety to your meeting.

Being adaptive

Listen to queues and hints to intentionally seek out opportunities to understand your members, who need more support than others, and who might be at risk of burning out.

Empowering your team

Don’t micromanage - delegate and empower your teams. Use the time to coach or train members, don’t tell them, or direct them. Set clear SMART goals.

Embracing self-care

Stay healthy physically and mentally with exercise, rest, breaks from what is becoming routine, eating and drinking with a healthier you in mind to enable you to be a healthier, exceptional leader. Be adaptive to the needs of your team.

During lockdown, the exceptional leaders will be those that can mix these behaviours with an authentic personal manner to bring your club through in a strong position. I await to see the change in Clubs as we adapt to the pandemic lifestyle, and I hope that all clubs come out of it by using the opportunities and leadership behaviours mentioned.

Photos supplied by Rtn Carol Coffey, District 9670 Membership Chair and from the Facebook page of the Rotary Club of East Maitland.