Struggling with tough times? Try leadership

UPDATE March 2020: I wrote this a decade ago in the midst of recession. Covid 19 may well take us into another downturn but the role of the leader hasn't changed.

Leadership is crucial in critical situations. It doesn’t mean you should charge head on into troubled waters. Real leaders don’t shy away from the situation. But they assess it rationally, clarify it for their team and get everyone working on the best possible solution. It may not work, but it will give you the best chance of survival.