Five leadership mantras to sail through the COVID-19 crisis: Manoj Kohli

It is an undeniable fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the economy of countries across the globe, and has also lead to the loss of lives and livelihoods. Although the outlook for the future looks desolate at the moment, Manoj Kohli, Country Head, Softbank India, believes that staying optimistic, and making most of this adversity will help companies sail through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Manoj Kohli, in an insightful conversation with Pradeep Gupta, CMD, CyberMedia Group on the topic “From Survival to Revival-Turning Business Challenges into Meaningful Change” shed light on how organizations can undergo an optimistic metamorphosis to combat the crisis and also come out shining. Since the leader of an organization undoubtedly plays the most predominant role during a predicament, the trait they exhibit under current times can actually determine the success or failure of an organization.

According to Manoj Kohli, the following five leadership mantras define an authoritative figure:

1. Agility – How fast one can take the required decisions.
2. Flexibility and adaptability – To change and enforce change within the organization as the need arises.
3. Humble, authentic, and real – A leader should never be arrogant, and must also share his vulnerabilities with others.
4. Courage – Tough calls must be taken as and when it is required.
5. Self manageability – How a leader manages himself both physically and mentally during a crisis situation holds a lot of significance.

In addition to that, Kohli stated that industry leaders must be empathetic, hopeful and optimistic towards employees during this tough hour. “You can never get back a good worker if you lose one. Give people hope and be optimistic, and build the team. Tomorrow will be better than today,” he said. He further went on to add that since the next 6 to 12 months will be the testing ground for leadership, leaders must eliminate the obsolete way of thinking and also help organizations adopt a new business model to successfully overcome the COVID-19 crisis.