Business leaders today can learn a lot from Churchill and after a few turbulent years with the global pandemic and a looming recession we need to take heed from Churchill qualities and lessons. Jonathan Sharp, Director of Britannic Technologies gives us some pointers on how to do just that.
Winston Churchill was and still is known to this day as an excellent leader, he lifted a nation from their darkest hours during the Second World War with his motivating and inspiring speeches. He had a concise vision that he communicated with clarity and authenticity, gaining the trust and respect from people around the world that Britain would be victorious. He wasn’t a natural born leader, he worked hard at overcoming his speech impediment, and was a self-taught man who didn’t go to university. It was his sheer determination, dedication, enthusiasm, and his ability to lead that shone through and led to Britain’s victory in the Second World War.
What’s your Vision?
Churchill had a vision to win the war that he communicated to the nation with clear and powerful speeches ensuring that everyone bought into it. As a leader you need to articulate your vision clearly and simply to ensure that everyone is on the same page and know what they are working towards
Start with a Plan
Every leader needs a plan or strategy with objectives and/or KPIs to ensure people are achieving and the company is heading towards it goals. A plan also helps to identify potential obstacles in the way and must be kept fluid so when circumstances change, it can be easily adapted. We have certainly learnt this over the last few years.
The working world has changed, and most employees want to hybrid work at home and in the office. Companies will need to review their communications technology strategy to incorporate these needs to attract and retain talent. Ensuring they provide the latest unified communications solutions to connect people whether they are working remotely or in the office enabling them to have video conference calls, collaborate on documents and send instant messages with colleagues, customers and suppliers alike.
“Let our advance worrying become advance thinking and planning,” Winston Churchill.
Speak Up
Churchill was an exceptional communicator and his speeches to this day are still as inspirational as they were in the 1940s. He used words as weapons and delivered powerful speeches that won him the respect and trust of the nation. He always remained honest and didn’t cover up horrendous issues but faced them head on using defiant and heroic language.
A good leader must communicate clearly and simply to excite and motivate people. By being transparent you will gain the trust and respect from your employees.
As the working world has changed companies have had to adjust by implementing hybrid working, and evaluating the product and services they offer. As a result, companies’ cultures have changed, and employees need to be aware what the culture is and how they fit in.
Glass is Half Full
Leaders must be positive and optimistic even in times of despair. By remaining positive they will reap better outcomes from their staff and customers. Churchill was known for his exuberance and optimism even in the darkest of times.
“For myself, I am an optimist – it does not seem to be much use being anything else,” Churchill.