Leadership During COVID-19 Pandemic

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Leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic required extraordinary skills and strategies. It involved implementing a national state of alarm and coordinating a nationwide response, as seen in the activation of emergency response frameworks by agencies like FEMA[2]. Leaders had to prioritize goals, manage conflicts, and demonstrate emotional intelligence to maintain team morale and trust[1]. Effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders were crucial for a unified response[1]. The pandemic led to shifts in leadership styles, with an initial increase in directive leadership during high-impact phases[3]. As the crisis evolved, participative leadership grew, especially in sectors adapting to remote work[3]. Leaders emphasized adaptability, strong communication, and composure to navigate the challenges[5]. Despite challenges like loss of connection and eroded trust, many leaders reported improved leadership skills and a desire to build stronger relationships[5].