Building resilience during uncertainty: Leadership from within
Keywords:
place leadership; resilience; community; third sector; self-managed teamsAbstract
Covid-19 provided a catalyst for the changing working environment, significantly impacting the way in which leaders come to the fore and how followers are encouraged and developed. This paper considers the importance of Place Leadership in working with community environments during periods of turbulence and instability. The research adopted a narrative approach to exploring the leadership dynamics among spontaneous volunteering activities during the Covid-19 pandemic. A case study methodology was adopted focusing on a singular group of volunteers that emerged in response to the emergency setting. Qualitative data was gathered allowing individuals to tell their story by interpreting events and happenings. The findings emphasise the importance of a leader who shares the values of the group, and demonstrate authentic behaviours and effective leadership approaches, whilst also embedding a community culture. The research recognises the importance of Place Leadership within the community setting as a means for the leader to demonstrate effectiveness and achieve results. Interestingly, no single leadership style is acknowledged per se, however the importance of authenticity, shared values and being embedded within the community is focal. The research will be of value and interest to a range of individuals and groups within academia and wider community settings, including those working within the Third Sector. The paper considers the situation faced during the pandemic and may not be easily repeated but is perhaps an opportunity for learning in response to disasters, crisis situations and community needs.
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