What To Do When Sh*t Goes Wrong, with AT&T Business CEO Anne Chow
Nov 14, 2024
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Anne Chow, the first woman of color to lead AT&T Business, shares her insights on navigating leadership during crises. She emphasizes leading with vulnerability and inclusivity while highlighting how individual responsibility impacts team dynamics. Chow discusses the importance of transparent communication and emotional awareness, especially during financial challenges. She also distinguishes between motivation and inspiration, explaining how alignment with core values strengthens team connections. Her experiences serve as a powerful guide for aspiring leaders.
Effective leadership during crises hinges on authentic communication that blends addressing facts with acknowledging team emotions.
Balancing motivation and inspiration empowers teams to navigate challenges while remaining committed to the organization's long-term purpose.
Deep dives
The Importance of Vulnerable Communication
Effective leadership during crises relies heavily on authentic and vulnerable communication with the team. It is crucial to address issues head-on using clear facts while also acknowledging the emotions that arise during tough times. By sharing personal feelings of fear and uncertainty, leaders can foster a sense of camaraderie and unity within the team, motivating them to find solutions together. This approach not only builds trust but empowers the team to feel safe in expressing their own concerns, which can lead to collaborative problem-solving and improved morale.
Navigating Different Types of Crises
Leaders face various types of crises, each requiring a tailored response. These crises can stem from external market forces, financial downturns, cultural movements, or personal challenges faced by team members. Being aware of these different crisis types enables leaders to understand and empathize with their team's experiences, facilitating a supportive environment. This awareness allows leaders not only to address immediate concerns but also to anticipate potential impacts on employee well-being and company culture.
Balancing Motivation and Inspiration
Successful leadership involves a dynamic balance between motivating and inspiring team members. Motivation often acts as short-term encouragement, while inspiration fosters long-term commitment to the organization’s purpose and values. By employing a combination of both strategies—motivating through tangible incentives and inspiring through shared goals and values—leaders can create a resilient team capable of navigating both challenges and opportunities. This blend ensures that while team members may strive to meet immediate targets, they also remain aligned with a larger vision.
Interpersonal Flexibility in Leadership
Interpersonal flexibility is a vital trait for leaders, enabling them to adapt their communication style and approach based on the diverse needs of their team members. Understanding that each individual may respond differently to challenges allows leaders to provide appropriate support and guidance. This adaptability not only fosters a more inclusive environment but also empowers employees to excel by feeling valued and understood. Allowing team members to voice their opinions and acknowledging their unique perspectives can strengthen team dynamics and enhance overall performance.
Anne Chow was the first woman of color to lead AT&T Business in the company’s 140+ year history, and while she was CEO she led the company with grace through one of the biggest crises in the world—a global pandemic. In this episode, Anne talks with Tara about how to lead bigger at your company and navigate crisis with vulnerability, inclusivity, and inspiration, and why leadership is more of a choice than a quality.
BOSSY, hosted by Tara Reed, brings you no-BS conversations about entrepreneurship, confidence, and leaning into your inner boss. Each episode, Tara puts on her boldest outfits and offers tactics and unapologetic advice – from the big names you love to the minds behind your favorite brands. New episodes drop on Thursdays – if you like the show, leave us a review and share with a friend!