What Does Leadership Look Like During a Pandemic?

It has been incredible to see people step up and lead during this time. I mean, to be honest, just getting out of pajamas and taking a shower feels like an accomplishment for those of us who aren't leaving the house much...
Here are some of the things I have seen leaders doing this week:

• Washington University is providing surveys, Covid-19 information, and free webinars to the St. Louis AEC community.
• AGCMO has an almost endless list of FREE resources on their website - everything from safety plans to HR guidelines and summaries of the Federal Relief Bill. Check it out!
• bKL Architecture is using their firm's 3D printers to create face masks for Chicago-area hospitals!

Today I read a great blog post on the Convergence of Leadership and Community written by Orv Kimbrough, CEO of Midwest BankCentre. This phrase really jumped out at me:
During a crisis, you see the difference in management and leadership, they are both important, but are not the same. Leadership is about measured growth and management is about maintaining.  Leadership is about challenging and inspiring others to deliver their best and management is generally about accepting things as they are.

Wow. Which one are you? We do always need both. But what does leadership look like?
For leaders, this is the time to shine, to encourage, to inspire!
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What can we do to emerge from this better than we were last month or last year?
What can we do to grow and inspire growth in the people around us? And in the people we can influence, but who are currently NOT around (physically distanced from) us?
Use this time to show up and be your best. Just because no one is looking over your shoulder at your remote workplace doesn't mean they can't feel your commitment or enthusiasm. Be a leader! Put a smile on your face when you talk. Get on video chats so you can see your coworkers, and if nothing else, at least change out of those pajamas!