Welcome to this week's episode of the Modern Mentor podcast. I'm your host, Rachel Cook.

And today I'll be answering a question that's been asked of me often in recent weeks.

How can I be a leader during a crisis?

Before I dive in, I want to ask you a quick favor. From now until April 30th, if you log into Podchaser

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Recently, I hosted a Facebook live to field questions and offer tips on how to navigate work during the coronavirus.

An audience member asked me this question.

My team looks to me for leadership, but right now I'm as freaked out as they are.

How can I be a source of calm and support to them in a crisis?

The person who asked this question is in good company.

I've had friends, clients, and even one husband inquiring about the same. So let's talk about it. How do you lead a team through a crisis

when you're battling that very same crisis? And please note, whoever you are, I'm talking to you,

because whether it's your team, your family, your community, or yourself, every one of us is leading someone right now.

So start by caring for you.

Daniel Goldman, the man who first coined the term emotional intelligence, recently published an article highlighting the importance of the

emotional state of leaders right now. When we allow our minds to get wound up in fear or anxiety,

we become less effective at taking in information or making sound decisions. Goldman says the fundamental

step every leader needs to take now

enables him or her to manage their own emotional state. That means changing your relationships

to your feelings, recognizing them rather than just being pushed around by them.

And once you know what you're feeling, particularly if it's fear, anxiety, or worry,

...