Top 7 ways to exhibit extraordinary leadership in tough and challenging times.(Selected Topic)

Every human organization goes through tough and challenging times, because, well, we're human! We need to expect that tough times will come, but know that by exhibiting extraordinary leadership during those times, the group can come out of them stronger than ever! Here are some thoughts for you to consider on being an extraordinary leader during tough and challenging times.

1. Keep Your Eye On The Big Picture.

When things get tough, everybody's temptation is to become acutely focused on the problem. The extraordinary leader, however, will keep his or her eye on the big picture. This doesn't mean that we don't address the problem. In fact, we have to address the problem. But what separates a leader from a follower is that the leader doesn't get caught up in the problem. The leader sees the big picture and keeps moving toward the vision. The further they take their followers toward the vision, the further away from the problem they get.

2. Don't Get Caught In The War Or The Friendly Fire.

When it gets tough, even the most loyal team members can be tempted to start shooting and, unfortunately, they sometimes shoot each other! Rather than focusing on the enemy on the outside, they begin to question each other and find many faults with one another that they normally would not have seen. The extraordinary leader is the one who can keep from being dragged into the fray. They keep their eye on the big picture and act rationally and objectively. They understand that people are heated and are saying things they don't really mean. The people are firing because they are angry or scared. The extraordinary leader understands this and rises above it. This way, they take fewer arrows and they set the example for their followers.

3. Be First To Sacrifice.

When it gets tough, like when there have to be cuts in salaries, etc., the leader should do just that--lead. They need to not only be the one who is rewarded the greatest when all is well but they need to be the first to sacrifice. The extraordinary leader says, "I know many of you are concerned with the salary cuts. I am too. In the long run we will be healthy again but for the meantime, this is necessary. Understanding this, I want you to know that I am taking a 20 percent pay reduction myself. I want you to know that we are in this together." The extraordinary leader is the first to sacrifice and will be rewarded with the loyalty of his or her followers.