Coronavirus – How to Demonstrate Leadership in Times of Stress & Uncertainty

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
​Martin Luther King, Jr.

​Over these last few weeks, I’ve had some powerful discussions with leaders about how they may need to show up differently during times of crisis. And, in fact, years from now your staff will likely remember you by how they were treated and supported during the COVID-19 crisis of 2020. As a leader, you have the opportunity to make a lasting positive impact on others right now. Here are some tips on what to try out, or do differently.
 
Get Connected – Tips for Leaders in Times of Stress, Remote Working, and High Distraction

• Use video. I know most people still feel uneasy about video calls, but I say… Get over it! Seeing someone’s face will trigger an immediate sense of connection. When your team members see that you are giving them your full attention, you send the message that you care. 
• Set routines. If you were doing daily huddles with your team in person back at the office, continue to do them virtually. Check in with your employees to see what will work best for them. Pick a routine and stick with it.
• Send updates. Even if nothing has changed since the last update, let people know that. Any information you receive or best practices that you hear can be shared with the entire team. It’s just as important for people to know what IS NOT changing as well as what IS changing. Some managers have decided to send out 1-minute video messages 2-3 times a week with updates.
• Hold more regular check-ins. Check in more regularly with your direct reports, especially those who don’t typically work remotely. Review priorities, discuss what to put on hold, and brainstorm ideas to overcome new challenges. Also, check in on how this “new normal” is impacting them. Don’t make assumptions—get curious. What’s more challenging now and what pleasant surprises have they encountered?
• Offer support. Lastly, ask what support they need right now, from you or from others. It’s easy to go down the “gloom and doom” rabbit hole; instead do your best to stay solutions-focused and think about what you and your employee DO have influence over right now.

 
These are crazy times. With so much uncertainty in the world around us, and a sudden change to the routines that (while stressful under “normal” circumstances) may be a huge source of comfort, many of us are feeling distracted, off center, and all around awful. For those of us lucky enough to continue to work (and earn income), we may be pushed to take our leadership skills to the next level, at work and at home. 
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Try out some of these tips to get connected, and check back to let me know what’s working.