Being a leader during times of crisis

When a team leader is promoted following a crisis, they are pretty much guaranteed to have more than their fair share of obstacles. With resources low and stakes high, it’s often a time when people are promoted from within to help manage the situation as a trusted advisor. 

The most prominent issue with these promotions is the risk that these individuals have bagged the position based on potential rather than an experienced track record… and usually within a shorter timeframe, meaning less time to prepare. This isn’t to say it’s a bad thing, but it does pose the question: Do battlefield promotions work? And, are those people you put in a leadership role during a crisis set up to fail?

A host of challenges

Look no further than Jørgen Vig Knudstorp, CEO of Lego. Before it was the enterprise giant it is today, the toy brand faced a number of very challenging financial years with an uncertain future. But, following his promotion in 2004, the company updated its strategy and turned things around. It’s since become the world’s most profitable toymaker and partnering with well known brands from Batman to Harry Potter. 

Knudstorp faced multiple challenges that predecessors didn’t have to tackle. This is where battlefield promotions are particularly different. This leader needs to accept that there will be issues they’ve never seen before but take comfort in knowing they have the skills and experience to navigate their way through. 

These newly promoted leaders are also knee deep in issues or challenges – that’s the nature of a battlefield promotion. The risk? It leaves little (if any) room to fail. On the flip side, the gains are bigger too. They’re given an opportunity to prove themselves and their skills in a way that some leaders may never have. To help ensure it’s this positive outlook that’s taken, it’s down to the wider leadership team to bolster these individuals, show public confidence in their ability and make sure they know they haven’t been set up to fail. 

Leadership material

Making the move to higher levels of leadership takes a host of different competencies and experiences. And if you aren’t sure who can take on the challenge, there are certain traits to look out for. These are usually behavioural like emotional stability and strong communication skills. During times of crisis, the leader must display a level of control which will then influence how those around them perform.  

One of the most important traits which at times is overlooked, is trust. You have to believe in them, but so do their colleagues and peers. They need to be trusted to accomplish their objectives and get the team through. 

The right environment 

A leader is nobody without a good team to support them. This is something that should already be in place within your organisation. This is also what sets a leader up to succeed. Companies need to have the correct culture at its core where a team solves issues together and strives to succeed together. And although battlefield promotions aren't ideal, having the right structure in place will ensure success. 

“During times of crisis, the leader must display a level of control which will then influence how those around them perform.  ”

“A leader is nobody without a good team to support them. This is something that should already be in place within your organisation. ”