A recent report by University of Queensland researchers identified the key leadership styles that are most likely to turn the adversity of the pandemic into rapid growth and long-term survival:

• Building a positive culture in remote teams
  Home working is likely here to stay, and it radically changed company cultures. Researcher Dr Miriam Moeller argues that leaders need to be proactive in avoiding “cyber ostracism”, where staff feel isolated and apathetic.

• Adopting a change mindset
  Anyone who thinks we already know the effects of COVID-19 is in for a shock. “Additional technological, regulatory, socio-cultural, macroeconomic, or political changes are likely to follow and these will bring opportunities for organisations who are poised to act,” Dr Frederik von Briel predicts.

• Wellbeing leadership
  New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has declared that economy and wellbeing are inextricably linked. Profits should never be at the expense of a healthy culture.

• Eradicating ethical blind spots
  The research team warns that employees may feel so much pressure to get their business back on track that they resort to morally dubious practices, sometimes unintentionally.

• The triple bottom line approach
  Instead of just one profit target (financial), many businesses are also judging themselves on two more: social and environmental. Leaders who don’t value all three risk alienating staff, shareholders and customers.

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