Excerpt from article originally published in the Nevada Appeal.
By Kaleb Roedel
When things are going well, being the leader of a company can feel like nothing but smooth sailing.
The economy is booming, business is rolling in and there are no staff or budget cuts on the horizon. Sure, it’s still possible to make mistakes, but a rising tide tends to lift all boats.
Since the coronavirus pandemic rocked the global economy, however, the roles and responsibilities of business leaders have profoundly changed. Prior to COVID-19, CEOs in Northern Nevada and beyond were focused on driving revenue, gaining market share and fostering innovation.
Now, during a crisis few could have anticipated, those CEOs must show their mettle, making rapid decisions as they attempt to chart a steady course. All the while, employees will be looking to their leaders for direction.
With that in mind, the NNBW spoke with CEOs of two Northern Nevada companies that employ more than 500 people apiece to find out the best ways to lead a company through a crisis.
SAFETY FIRST
For Scott Pruneau, CEO of ITS Logistics, communicating clearly and effectively with staff — early and often — has been a top priority.
“I think you have to communicate a very consistent message very regularly,” Pruneau said in a phone interview with the NNBW. “First and foremost, their safety is our No. 1 concern. You have to have compassion and genuine care for the safety of your staff.”
Read additional coverage from Northern Nevada Business Weekly.
