– by Nkosingiphile Ntshangase
With the occurrence of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the idea surrounding how managers should operate is in a dire need of reshaping. Leading in an office and leading from home require different sets of skills that managers need to harness in order for business to reorient in this current ‘new norm’. The pandemic’s upending effects have disrupted industries, calling for all leaders to gain the necessary information to ensure their organisations stay on track with meeting company goals. At the same time, leaders must address the needs of their teams that have been affected by this sudden change in their business environments.
A well-equipped leader ensures that every member of their team understands the dynamics, and is able to function optimally in their new remote working conditions. Almost every leader has faced challenges and moments of crisis in their career, some short-lived and others long-standing. It is however, safe to say that the current crisis of COVID-19 is different from anything leaders have faced before, and one that looks to be prolonged and possibly pose an existential challenge for organisations. Effective leadership in a prolonged crisis with such serious consequences is absolutely necessary for an organisation and it requires physical, psychological, and emotional prowess. It is essential for individuals in management to hone in on their adaptive capacity to mitigate the chances of leaving any gaps open. A leader that is resilient must be able to adjust and respond to irregular and unforeseen challenges in an organisation, across any climate in the business environment.
UKZN Extended Learning’s Management Development Programme cultivates thoughtful leadership that will capacitate in preparing for this significant shift in operational priorities. Our blended learning methodology provides a platform for discussions that take place between various industry experts and academics that are well versed on the topic, thus providing each delegate with personal and professional tools to strengthen their effectiveness as a manager and a leader.
To maximise your effectiveness as a leader in order to carry you and your organisation through the coming months, consider registering for the upcoming intake on our Management Development Programme, commencing on the 21st of July 2021. If you would like to secure your place or find out more information about this programme, please click here.
You can also contact us directly for more information on the programme:
Thobeka Malinga
T: +27 31 260 1234