Leadership in extraordinary times Q&A: Noel Leeming Group CEO Tim Edwards.
Leadership in extraordinary times is a series for Stuff where Henri Eliot talks to key business leaders on how they are dealing with the impact of Covid-19.
The leader this time is Tim Edwards, chief executive of Noel Leeming Group.
Image Credit, Stuff Limited.
What do you see as the biggest challenges for leaders in times of crisis?
The balance between short term survival or fortification of the business and mid-to-long-term strategy. I believe they can go hand in hand if a balanced approach is taken.
Very closely behind a clear strategy on the what is the team. These are unprecedented times and they are looking for clear decisive direction from leaders who have never had this set of circumstances in their lifetimes.
It seems to be a time when there's going to be intense focus on every leader's actions. How can you be sure to communicate effectively at times like these?
For me, it's about taking the time to tell the story, to explain the actions required, but more importantly why. Once the team understands the why, even if they don’t agree, they at least have the background and can make decisions for themselves.
Communicate, communicate, and then communicate again.
But leaders are people, too – who also have needs. Leaders are also struggling and stressed and financially uncertain.
How do they not run dry in times like this?
Leaders should remind themselves that their health and wellbeing will reflect on their teams, so carve out time for yourself and for your family.
Finding peer groups that you can connect with to share stories and insights is a great way to go.
What is your biggest piece of advice to give any business out there?
Stay calm, be prepared to be flexible, and make a ton of small decisions on the fly. Use data as much as you can, but also don’t wait to get more than 80 to 90 per cent of the information required to act.
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