How does Boris lead the UK’s response to coronavirus from isolation?
This was the question being posed by the London Evening Standard this past weekend, following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement that he had in fact caught the virus.
Professor Susan Michie, a behavioural psychologist at University College London, was quoted as saying that "Whilst the PM was telling people to stay at home and keep at least two metres apart from each other, the House of Commons was open for business and face-to-face parliamentary activities were carrying on…it should not come as a surprise to hear that the PM and Health Secretary have tested positive for coronavirus."
She added that there are several reasons why leaders "should practise what they preach”. Prof. Michie said: "The first is that such people are important role models, with the ability to enhance or undermine their verbal messages by their actions. The second concerns trust: if leaders do not adhere to their own recommendations, this undermines trust in them which in turn can undermine the population's adherence to their advice." So, role modelling and trust are critical factors for leaders to consider right now - perhaps not historically Boris’ strong suit.
As well as falling victim to coronavirus, I would suggest that Boris has also fallen victim to the idea that to lead one has to be present and fully engaged with one’s team in a physical way. He won’t be the only one, many leaders are currently feeling uncomfortable about staying home when they have team members working on the frontline.
I was running an action learning set with a group of leaders globally this week, supporting them to think together about how to lead through this crisis. One of the participants, an MD of a food production business in Pakistan, was avoiding running a virtual town hall (large scale virtual team meeting) with his large team, as he didn’t want them seeing him at home when many of them were still being asked to go to work in the factory. “They will think I’m hiding out, so it’s better for me to stay out of view...” was his rationale for lying low.
Another leader on the call shared that he was struggling with the message that he gives to his team: ”I don’t want to demotivate them by giving them a negative message. How do I present this as glass half full?”
This led me to ask the question, what do people really want, need and expect of our leaders right now? What should leaders be role modelling, and how do they best build trust (or at least not destroy it) in the current situation?
These are 5 key things I believe will make the difference to your team right now:
1. A Plan
We may not have all the details worked out yet, but we have an overall goal and an agile approach to achieving this which will enable us to flex to as yet unknowable circumstances. We will communicate with you regularly as the situation evolves.
2. A Rallying Cry
A crisis can bring out the best in people – the 750,000 people who have volunteered in the UK to help out the NHS this week are testament to that. A balanced tone is needed, not shying away from a difficult message because you are worried about demotivating people – they know it’s bad and it’s likely to get worse. Don’t be like Trump, who was quoted on CNN yesterday as saying that he soft-pedalled the threat because ‘you know, I’m the cheerleader for the country.” Tell the truth and set out the mission you are on together, however challenging that might be.
3. A Contribution
Once you’ve rallied the team, ask them to share their ideas about how they can contribute to the overall effort your business is engaged in right now – people want to be useful in a meaningful way.
4. A Sense of Belonging
It’s easy to feel disconnected when we are on lockdown at home, so frequent check ins that address the question of how we face into this together are important. Ask people how they are coping. Stay connected, regularly – team meets, town halls, newsletters that all can input to.
5. A Shared Humanity
This is a great opportunity to get to know your team, and they you, as people not just ‘professionals’. There is nothing like a Zoom call with a toddler sat on one’s knee to provide a new perspective on someone! This is a great opportunity to demonstrate ‘radical caring’ - “I know and care about you, and your family, and your dog...”. These bonds of relationship will endure beyond this crisis, allowing a new level of connection between leaders and their teams based on a shared humanity.
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