The crisis is a management task: Six good points of advice

'Show that you are a strong leader.' Is that what you are already telling yourself? Good! Here is a short check list - six good points of advice in a situation where the general mood of crisis and gloom is putting greater demands on you.

You have to communicate. As a leader and manager you have decisive influence on what your employees believe, think and talk about. In the words of H.C. Andersen: 'There is no doubt about it, one little feather may easily grow into five hens,' and it is true that rumours multiply in times of crisis. You therefore need to reach every corner with your messages, more and stronger than usual.

You need to be available. Restrict the closed door, move around the company and answer your calls and emails. By doing so you counteract uncertainty and people will also turn to you with trifles, which can become great issues if they are not nipped in the bud. You create energy by making your presence available.

Control pessimism: Be honest and tell what is happening, and prepare your employees when something is about to happen. There will be negative messages - compile them in bundles to avoid them dripping in all the time. Attention will be intensified so you need to prepare your communication thoroughly.

Cultivate optimism: Express your belief in the future. Set several partial aims - this prepares the ground for more successes. Make sure everyone hears about things that are going well, and remember that what may seem a little thing to you may be something big for others. Get everyone on board: Tell stories and praise your employees, not just for results, but also for the performance itself.

Secure your assets: Your most important asset is your employees. Do not fall into the trap of just focussing on who you can do without; but think more on who you would prefer to keep. Involve them, make them feel safe and show that you believe in them. Invest in them. That is how you keep them motivated.

Be the good example: Use your own resources properly and show that you do it. You need to be efficient all the time: have a good agenda, complete your tasks and avoid stressful situations. You need to be economically aware without being hysterical. You need to be physically fit, have an overview on - and energy for – all your staff and colleagues.

You must show leadership skills by being present, taking responsibility and leading the way. This is a time, when your employees need a leader rather than a mere administrator.