For most of us as entrepreneurs, the lockdown presents two challenges - relational and financial. 

Being cut off from others, being in isolation, is not a natural or preferred state. Technology allows us to connect easily enough with colleagues or customers - we can call family and friends, even see them on screen - but it’s not quite the same as standing around a braai. 

The Archbishop Desmond Tutu said, “you can’t exist as a human being in isolation. [Ubuntu] speaks about our interconnectedness. You can't be human all by yourself.”

Relatedly, no business is an island. We are interconnected and interdependent as entrepreneurs and businesses. A crisis for one may become a crisis for all. And when times are tough good relations are invaluable.

The other very pressing issue for most small businesses is the loss of income that will be incurred during the pandemic and the effect that will have on cash flow. Even after lockdowns are lifted, things won’t just be back up and running in the blink of an eye. It will take time for the South African economy to regain momentum, especially given that the situation was tenuous even preCOVID-19.

Living in the time of Corona

The world as we know it has changed. Travelling won’t be the same. Business won’t be the same. The global pandemic has resulted in a range of uncertainties around health, economic and social issues. Sound business principles are built on reliability, consistency and predictability. As we are currently experiencing, the absence of these has a direct impact on your business.  

Most of us have been asking ourselves: What am I doing to deal with this crisis? How am I  changing my business?

You may realise that some change is necessary for your business to survive the fallout from the pandemic. You may have identified that your business is in a crisis that requires immediate action. Either way, your stress levels have probably increased. 

Leading in the time of Corona

It is during these times of increased pressure, stress and anxiety that leaders have to stand up and show the way. It is our responsibility to reach out and connect with those we lead. This is not an easy ask when we ourselves are adversely affected.

We must focus on reducing stress by controlling what we can and letting go of what we cannot. We have to reduce uncertainty by communicating clearly, regularly and honestly and being unafraid to show some vulnerability - to our partners, friends and employees. We have to prove our mettle and show our compassion, while we protect our own well-being at the same time.

Simon Sinek has a beautiful short book on this subject called Together is better. It is filled with inspiration and infused with optimism. He says: “Leadership is not about being in charge, it is about taking care of those in your charge”.

The Sologix solution

We remind our clients that they need a strong team to succeed in business. To make it through times of challenge you have to fall back on strong relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. And we have all heard the late Bill Withers’ advice: find somebody to lean on. Someone you can trust to lend an ear, keep your confidences private and give some sound advice. Someone to lessen your load.

Invest time and energy into finding and developing those relationships. 

In your role as an entrepreneur, remember that the strength of the team is governed by the strength of the leader.  We share with our clients, amongst other things, the valuable lessons learnt from The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, The Speed of Trust and how to apply The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People to your business. 

Know your crisis and find a way out

Sologix has developed an online course on crisis management, tailor-made specifically for the current issues faced by all businesses. 

The course is called Crisis101, and was built using the GrowthWheel advanced coaching tool. 

The approach of the course is to guide you on how to pinpoint the cause of the crisis by doing an honest assessment of your business (the difficulties experienced may be a result of underlying problems in the business merely exacerbated by the pandemic). 

Then we help you assess your personal situation - do you have the means and will to manage the business out of this?

We also show you how to assemble a team to help you find and execute a solution to the crisis, and how to stringently manage your cash throughout the process. 

Become a member of our Sologix community to get access to this and other courses during the lockdown in South Africa. 

Join us for a 2 part webinar Navigating Your Business Through Crisis starting Monday 15 June at at 11h00. 

Or book your free 30 minute introductory session using our easy online tool.