Editorial: Leadership in a time of crisis

Communication is an important tool of leadership during times of crisis. The public yearns to hear from those in positions of influence and authority, whether they are delivering a grim update or providing reassurance to the community.

The man holding the top political post in these Islands, Premier Alden McLaughlin, has lived up to the challenge of letting his people hear from him daily, and multiple times when needed.

He has not only been a constant presence but has provided pragmatic leadership with firm, yet reassuring messages since this ordeal began.

Sure, there are times when his tone and message comes across as blunt and not as compassionate as he has largely been but who wouldn’t get frustrated with daily questioning at press conferences, via social media, email and phone that often times appears to ignore the seriousness of the situation facing Cayman and the wider world.

During this time, Mr McLaughlin has come across as someone taking into consideration the needs, wants, and feelings of his people. Imagine this is the same man that many in the community were itching to see the back of due to the cruise port project.

Though no scientific polling has been done, the Premier’s approval rating appears to be as high as it has ever been due to his leadership provided during the national COVID-19 response.

One would hope that for the remainder of his term that the Premier and his colleagues continue to listen to the needs of their people and be responsive to them as they have been during this period of uncertainty.

“Leadership is a matter of having people look at you and gain confidence, seeing how you react. If you’re in control, they’re in control.” – Tom Landry (Hall of Fame American Football Coach)