The outbreak of COVID-19 has impacted the economy globally, forcing businesses to shut down and countries to impose strict lockdowns. But life – and business – must go on.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A “LENNHILL” APPROACH TO LEADERSHIP DURING A CRISIS Photo: LENNHILL
There is one leader who has identified a framework that enables him to pivot, and pivot fast during the pandemic, in order to keep his thriving business afloat. Scott Cullather, the co-founder and CEO of INVNT, the global live brand storytelling agency, which launched in 2008 during the last global economic recession and now has eight offices in five countries, is incorporating what he calls the ‘LennHill’ approach into his leadership style. It is a framework that enables Scott and his senior leaders to better manage their teams in a virtual workplace, while also optimizing the business for success during a global pandemic.
Understanding this two-tiered Approach
The ‘LennHill’ Approach centers around a dichotomy of practicing compassion, honesty and transparency – a leadership style that mirrors John Lennon’s take on life, and a Winston Churchill style of leadership, which is highly analytical and involves making difficult, yet essential structural and logistical business decisions.
In the C&IT magazine article ‘7 ways to lead during a crisis’ Scott Cullather explains: “This strategy involves practising compassion, honesty and transparency like John Lennon. You’re regularly communicating with your teams about the status of the business through a variety of different platforms, and introducing morale-boosting activities like virtual post-work drinks, trivia and DJ sessions.”
Here it’s important to keep employees up to date with how the business and wider industry is evolving and responding during the crisis. If projects are changing, being postponed or cancelled, for example, don’t hide that information from view.
Scott Cullather explains: “We know that humans thrive on face-to-face interaction. It’s why INVNT is in the business of live, so remind employees that it’s essential they remain connected to their peers, and share your best practice learnings with your fellow industry leaders. We’re all working towards the same goal, after all.”
According to Scott Cullather, companies need to maintain a balance. While focusing on employee morale and communications, leaders must also work to maintain the company’s operations. It is the second aspect of Scott’s approach which centers on Winston Churchill’s ideology.
“We shall go on to the end; we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight on the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.”
Here it’s all about making tough analytical decisions that help companies stabilize during a period of uncertainty. It revolves around the fact that business owners need to take major steps that work in favor of the company to ensure that the company stays afloat even during a difficult situation.
In the C&IT magazine article Scott Cullather states, “[We’re] continuously analyzing the revenues, operating costs and staff headcount as the pandemic evolves.”
The LennHill approach is a powerful strategy for all companies that are trying to regain a stable ground. Business owners need to look for ways they can maximize their company’s potential and make decisions for the benefit of their business.
Scott Cullather is skillfully implementing this approach to not only keep his company operational but to ensure INVNT’s high performance culture where employees can continue to grow and thrive, remains intact. The LennHill approach ensures the agency functions seamlessly – as we all navigate through COVID-19.
