Earlier today, Arne Sorenson, President and CEO at Marriott International, shared with Marriott International associates and online community an emotional update on the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on the hotel business, their employees, and the steps they’re taking to respond to it.
A message to Marriott International associates from President and CEO Arne Sorenson. pic.twitter.com/OwsF14TZgb
— Marriott International (@MarriottIntl) March 19, 2020
“In terms of our business, COVID-19 is like nothing we’ve ever seen before,” Sorenson said, adding that the financial impact is worse than 9/11 and the 2009 financial crisis combined.
This is a great example of leadership for all CEO’s to see. Sorenson echoes the feelings of many if not all leaders as they deal with the impact on their valued employees.
Sorenson, who’s battling pancreatic cancer, appeared with his head shaven in the video, a fact that made some staffers worried about because of the optics, he said. He reassured employees that his appearance was what was to be expected.
“I feel good and my team and I are 100 percent focused on overcoming the common crisis we face,” Sorenson said.
If you ever wondered what extraordinary leadership looks like during times of crisis, watch this video. Brutally difficult decisions made compassionately and communicated transparently and from the heart.
