Manage Smarter 268 — Navigating Crisis or Unexpected Change with Kon Apostolopolous

HOSTED BY C. LEE SMITH AND AUDREY STRONG
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Kon Apostolopoulos or Coach Kon is the Founder & CEO of Fresh Biz Solutions. His Human Capital Management consulting group provides performance improvement and training solutions to help organizations develop their people, improve business results, and benefit from a comprehensive talent management strategy. 

He is also the author of the best-​selling book, “The Engagement Blueprint: Building a Culture of Commitment and Performance.” His first book, “7 Keys to Navigating a Crisis: A Practical Guide for Emotionally Dealing with Pandemics & Other Disasters”, helped establish him as a Thinkers 360 Global Top-​50 Thought Leader. 

When not working with business leaders, “Coach Kon” gives back to his community by developing young soccer players in local, state, and Olympic Development Programs.

In this podcast for sales managers and executive leadership, Audrey Strong, C. Lee Smith and Kon Apostolopolous help you to answer:

What are the most common crises businesses face?

Kon Apostolopolous mentions that businesses often reach out when things have gone south, particularly in the people space. He highlights crises such as poor communication, lack of cultural alignment, and inadequate succession planning as common issues that leaders face.

How can leaders navigate a crisis effectively?

Kon Apostolopolous emphasizes the importance of having a roadmap for crisis management, which includes self-​care, mindfulness, and flexibility. He uses the analogy of a palm tree to illustrate the need for adaptability and resilience during challenging times.

What role does communication play in managing crises?

Kon Apostolopolous stresses that effective communication is crucial, especially in larger organizations. He suggests that leaders should engage employees by explaining the 'why' behind decisions and fostering open channels of communication to build trust and understanding.

How should leaders address the fear of AI among employees?

Kon Apostolopolous advises that leaders should focus on building trust and emphasizing the unique human traits that machines cannot replicate, such as ethics, intuition, and creativity. He suggests that familiarizing employees with AI and involving them in discussions can help alleviate fears.

What is the leadership paradox in modern management?

Kon Apostolopolous introduces the concept of the leadership paradox, where leaders need to balance empathy with setting boundaries and managing outcomes instead of outputs. He highlights the importance of using technology to enhance human interactions and focusing on results rather than effort.

"Crisis in Greek, 'krisi,' means a test by the gods, a challenge to overcome for growth. Embrace crises as opportunities for transformation."

Kon Apostolopolous

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