It was New Year’s Eve 2022. Millions of viewers were glued to their TVs as news stations ran horrifying videos of the Marshall Fire raging through parts of Boulder County, Colorado. Entire neighborhoods were obliterated, as the blaze was being fueled by 100mph winds. It was just terrifying. I was worried for the safety of so many people and even my own development, located miles away, was under alert. But as I stayed glued to the television for news updates late into the evening, something else moved me. Throughout the coverage of this unfathomable disaster, and press conference after press conference, I was struck by the leadership skills of Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle. He was a rock.
I admittedly know little about Sheriff Pelle or his career. But what I can tell you is that on that day he delivered a masterclass in leadership. I am a business coach and I discuss leadership skills regularly, although admittedly it is more often in the context of business operations rather than crisis management situations. But the Sheriff and all his self-possession got me thinking, how does someone learn to be an effective leader in those scenarios when the sky is actually falling?
When There Is a Crisis in Your Business
I have been privy to a number of negative business situations, like data breaches or systems failures, where some professionals who should know better nevertheless run about like chickens with their heads cut off. It seems that many people are performative in expressing their concern rather than choosing to be proactive and effective problem-solvers. It almost feels like they believe noise and chaos are as effective as clarity and strategy. A true leader is a person who is does not show the room that he or she is rattled and who understands that panic is counterproductive at best.
Business owners got a crash course in crisis leadership throughout the pandemic. It was an active scene inside the walls of many companies as business owners navigated evolving government requirements, lockdowns and shutdowns, weary employees, massive supply chain issues, and so many other unfathomable challenges.
I would wager that there is not a single business owner today who didn’t evolve in in some way as a leader throughout the COVID years.
Back to the Marshall Fire
Crisis leadership that involves immediate danger is different though. Emergencies like fires or natural disasters require swift and aggressive action. In these scenarios, there is no time to strategize leadership style. Crisis are when true leaders reveal themselves.
As I watched the Marshall Fire, I saw firsthand Sheriff Pelle’s strong leadership skills in action. Like most great leaders, Pelle appeared to innately possess both internal and external poise and strength. He demonstrated seemingly heartfelt empathy while providing shockingly comprehensive insight into of all the moving parts of the crisis. His voice remained stern and somber. No panic, only urgency and concern. On camera, Pelle demonstrated compassion, control, humility, and heart. I can only assume his team felt the same way and that his leadership approach was nothing new to them. Because true leadership isn’t isolated to a single event or even a series of events. True leadership is a personality trait that transcends individual circumstances.
How To Develop Your Leadership Skills
Step one in becoming a more effective leader is being mindful of your leadership style and natural approach. Rate your leadership skills from 1-10. What did you give yourself? Now how do you think your team would rate your leadership skills? It’s a fair question. How your leadership approach resonates with and inspires action from those around you is a strong gauge of effectiveness.
Think back on those leadership situations in which you feel you excelled, as well as other times when you perhaps fell short. Turn to trusted colleagues, a business coach, or a peer advisory board if you have one for honest conversations regarding your leadership style, strengths, and weaknesses.
Here are some top leadership traits that you may want to address and develop:
- Empathy.
- Listening skills.
- Agility.
- Sharing your vision.
- Creating clear expectations.
- Communicating.
- Connecting.
Not everyone was born to be a leader akin to Sheriff Pelle. But every business owner who wants to grow a thriving business should consider leadership development for themselves and their management team. Strong leadership is simply a key component to success.
And remember, great business leadership is not always about managing those big blazes, but rather one’s ability to lead others through all the little fires inherent in running a business.
