In the past, crises often built slowly. Today, they can hit harder and faster than ever before. Some recent market shifts have arrived with more force and speed than even the onset of COVID. For leaders, that means the margin for delay is gone. You can’t blink. You need to respond with clarity and speed.
Many are experiencing volatility unlike anything before. It’s not just economic. It’s emotional, human, and unpredictable. One moment, things are stable. Next, you’re being forced to rethink your team structure, cost base, and priorities. And in those moments, you must lead with both your head and your heart.
The Discipline of Preparation
The companies that are weathering this wave best are the ones that saved during the good seasons. Just like a farmer prepares for the years when rain doesn’t fall, leaders need to have reserves in place: financial, emotional, and strategic.
Cash flow matters. But just as critical is the discipline of not using borrowed money to survive. Borrow to grow, yes. But if you’re borrowing to keep the lights on, you're on dangerous ground. Tough decisions, especially when it comes to people, are painful. Even if you've made them before, they never get easier. But protecting the golden goose - the core of your business that generates results - has to come first.
Why Data is Your Best Ally
Data isn’t just important. It’s critical. The right data points are your early warning system. They help you catch trouble before it escalates. One example: we noticed we hadn’t had a software-related dinner in six months. That small signal, when unpacked, revealed major shifts in our industry. Projects were being paused. The job market was changing. Layoffs were happening. It was all there in the data - if we were willing to look.
As a leader, you need to know what metrics matter. You need to track them. And you need to act on them fast.
Cutting the Right Costs
The biggest lever in any business is people. It’s also the hardest to pull. You need to look at time sheets, productivity, leave trends, and outputs. Who’s adding value? Who’s become complacent? When things get tight, you don’t have the luxury of hoping people will step up. You need to see the proof.
Complacency is expensive. So is silence. This is where open communication comes in. If your team knows they’re expected to continually grow, contribute, and improve, these conversations become part of the culture.
Resilience Starts with Brutal Honesty
There’s no room for sugar coating. You need to say it like it is. That includes worst-case scenarios. That includes calling out poor performance. That includes asking tough questions like: did you do the certification we agreed was important? Did you improve your output? Did you come to the table with solutions?
Accountability matters more now than ever. And you can’t carry responsibility for someone else’s lack of preparation.
The Gift Hidden in the Crisis
One leader recently wrote, “What if your worst day could become the foundation for your best future?” It’s a question worth holding onto. Because as painful as crisis can be, it forces growth. It forces focus. It shakes loose what isn’t working. And it leaves behind a stronger, sharper version of the business - and the people who choose to stay and build with you.