In times of uncertainty or change, leaders (business owners, employers, managers) can have a huge impact on the emotional and even physical wellbeing of their staff.
It can influence how they communicate, how they deal with stress in their role and their overall productivity (even when working from home).
Claire Russell from ThinkPlus provides us with some advice for leaders looking to step up to better support their teams.
What kinds of support do employees often look for in their leaders?
This is a time where we look to our leaders for the human need for certainty. We don’t have is a playbook for times like these, so focusing on what certainty you can give is useful – this may be structure, a daily/weekly purpose, set times for connection etc.
Tune into what your staff need, some may be needing more emotional support, some may be needing more connection or some may need to feel like they are being purposeful.
In larger organisations, where there may be a business owner and managers, then employees, what are some things owners and managers need to be mindful of when it comes to how they communicate with and interact with their staff?
Where there is a multi-tiered organisation, the owner and senior leaders must consider both the business elements and the human elements which are impacted. This time is a great leveller and creates the opportunity for open and transparent dialogue from everyone.
It is also a time for consistency of message. Consider key messages which can run like golden threads through this challenge, such as we can ‘flex and adapt’, or ‘we have got this’. It is imperative to communicate in a reliable and relatable way for your audience. This is a time where if you have put in solid foundations of great relationships and sense of community in your culture it can be called upon to support and nourish your teams.
What are some challenges facing business owners and leaders at this time, and as we (potentially) come into the post-lockdown period?
This paradigm shift needs blue sky thinking, solid planning, strong leadership, an ability to be flexible in your thinking and nimble in application. However, there is a dichotomy of a push-pull type feeling. We have a strong drive to get into action and fixing the future for us, but then we are pulled back into the reality of being locked into the spot with so much uncertainty surrounding us.
Be open to new insights of your situation, what patterns do you notice. Use the new lens of the COVID-19 situation to review the way you approach your market, products, systems, processes and people. Recognise what strengths and opportunities are ahead of you and start to create a strawman for a new possible future way of working.
What are three key things business owners and leaders need to be conscious of when leading their team through challenging times?
- Your energy is contagious to your teams – what energy do you emit?
- Let go of your desire to control the uncontrollables, focus on the aspects you and others can control or influence.
- Be kind to yourself and look after yourself. The concept of putting your own mask on first is very important then you can support others around you. People are much more sensitive at this time, approach with care and respect.
Some leaders might think they need to ‘put on a brave face’ during these tough times – is this the best approach?
It is important to remember that this pandemic has struck at the chord of being human with the frailties that encapsulates.
This is a time to show your humanity and vulnerability, reflect a real, authentic leader but also a time to use ‘active hope’ and shine a light on the way ahead. Your ability to show that you can both bounce with and bounce back from adversity creates team and organisational resilience. You cannot under-estimate the positive impact you can have with staff as you navigate this uncharted territory.
Acknowledging the difficulty in the challenge, but getting an eye view on what the new landscape could look like in your industry helps you to journey your people through both emotionally and cognitively.
Anything else you would like to add?
Remember there are lots of support services around including local leadership or business coach, your Regional Business Advisor, EAP type service or another trusted advisor. Tap into what is right for you.
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