The recommended course of action for leadership in this situation would be to adopt a "Internal task" approach. This form of leadership encompasses the core elements of goal orientation, standard maintenance, conflict management, and coaching. By embracing this particular leadership style, Russ has the potential to effectively guide his team towards achieving the established organizational objectives. This, in turn, will prove advantageous for team members who may currently find themselves in a vulnerable position, as it will help safeguard their positions within the organization. Implementing this strategic approach has the potential to effectively uphold both morale and productivity levels amidst a crisis. references and APA 7 in text citations