episode 61 - the word is carnage

In this episode of The Word is Leadership, we explore the word "Carnage," using its more colloquial sense of “total disaster” to discuss how leaders can rebuild after major failures. Whether stepping into a role amidst chaos or managing through a significant organizational breakdown, every leader will face a moment when they must recover from carnage. So, how do you rebuild?

This episode gives me the chance to offer a practical 3-step framework to lead in the aftermath of a leadership or organizational disaster: 

1. Start with a Clean Sheet (Clarity and Standards)

To rebuild, start by wiping the slate clean and resetting expectations. Focus on clarity (what needs to be done and why) and standards (how it needs to be done).

2. Rebuild the Basics (Trust and Team Dynamics)

After setting the foundation, focus on trust and team dynamics. You need discretionary effort from your team to truly recover.

3. Don’t Think It’s Over (Realism and Monitoring)

Carnage often happens when leaders are caught off guard. To prevent future failures, stay vigilant by monitoring performance with objective metrics and feedback.

Recovering from carnage isn’t about perfection—it’s about laying a stronger foundation, building trust, and remaining adaptable to navigate the unexpected.

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