Exactly five years ago, in March 2020, my team and I left our offices without knowing when we would return. We had no idea how this possible pandemic would progress, when we would be together again, and how we would accomplish our work remotely. We felt fear, concern, and uncertainty. As the leader of the team, I needed to facilitate our ability to navigate this new reality, and I did my best to provide consistent information, support, direction, and at times, even humor.
For the past few months, I’ve worked with a number of teams and individuals who have shared resonant thoughts and emotions: worry about funding, potential job loss, personal safety, or needing to pivot entirely to a different focus.
And just as during the pandemic, leaders are asking how to walk the line between supporting team members in their personal and professional angst and getting work done. Do we just smile, assure our teams and colleagues that everything will ultimately be ok, and focus on the positive? Do we create space for our team members to grapple with uncertainty and fear? Do we panic and explore potential worst-case scenarios?
Here are some thoughts about how we can help our people and teams navigate these waters:
- Communicate transparently. Share information in huddles, scheduled meetings, and emails. People want to know what is happening, and having factual information is generally more constructive than guessing what might be coming.
- Listen wholeheartedly. Provide space to listen to and acknowledge team members’ reactions to policy, work, and organizational changes. Consider starting each individual and team meeting with a genuine check-in.
- Acknowledge the impact. While some people and jobs are not being affected, many people and their work are being significantly impacted. Validate that impact so that people feel heard.
- Be flexible and innovative. We may need to pivot and be creative as we move forward. Think about how to attend to the organization’s mission, even if the methods may need to shift.
- Create community. Ensure that the people in our workspaces continue to build relationships with each other. These relationships can be a huge source of support and help us navigate tough times.
- Share hope, inspiration, and even humor. In the midst of uncertainty and challenge, we need to continue to encourage our peers and team members. Share inspirational quotes, reconnect to the “why” of the work, and take time to laugh with colleagues.
- Vision and Plan. Collaborate with other leaders and team members to plan how you can continue to work towards your mission. Focus on specific steps you can take, consider contingencies, and communicate a clear direction.
- Trust and Empowerment. Trust and empower your team members to do their work. Especially in uncertain times, having some autonomy and control can foster confidence, motivation, and continued engagement.
- Finally, we need to recognize our own humanity. We won’t always have the perfect response. At times, we may feel emotional. We may need time to gather our thoughts. All of that is not only ok, it’s essential to give ourselves grace to maintain our own health and well-being in this moment.