Re-opening our economy, establishing a new modus operandi, and keeping ourselves, families, customers, employees and businesses healthy is the stuff of sleepless nights for business leaders. The WSJ article “Getting the Restart Right: How to Lead When Nobody Has a Map” suggests that the true leadership challenge is not reflected in the recent weeks’ crisis management but rather in what lies ahead. There’s no playbook for this. Rather, your fundamentals are your compass.
This quote particularly resonated for me: “In this phase of the pandemic, people are still questioning everything. In light of this, any organization’s mission statement might seem like a disposable relic. But when the real work of rebuilding begins, people need something to believe.”
A company’s mission is the opposite of a relic. It’s our core purpose and as relevant now as in stable times. It’s our beliefs that guide us to deliver on a bold promise and overcome obstacles. As we pursue recovery, a strong culture and mission are your essential guideposts to decision making. The way we conduct business may change due to COVID-19, culture and mission are fundamental.