Leaders: the two things your team needs from you right now
Thoughts on leading well during the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally published on LinkedIn.
Life feels a bit surreal right now. From very real health and economic fears, to daily challenges with kids and work colliding at home, we're all being stretched. At this very moment, I'm writing this while simultaneously trying to thoughtfully engage with my two daughters on our back patio. You can imagine how long it's taking to write, and how many times I've said, "Just a few more minutes, honey." I fully recognize that this is a mild, somewhat humorous challenge compared to many—my heart goes out to those of you who are more dramatically impacted.
One of the biggest stressors during this time is ambiguity about what the future holds. Amidst the uncertainty, strong leadership is desperately needed. As you strive to lead well—whether at work, in your family, or in your community—I urge you to focus on these two things: connection and direction.
Create connection
This comes first. Humans are wired for relationship, and in this current environment, our relationships are at risk for strain. Help your people feel connected to you and to each other. Check-in frequently. Ask questions, and truly listen. If trust, safety, and genuine care are lacking, no amount of inspirational words or visionary direction will matter. People cannot access their rationale brains to make grounded decisions and deliver great work without a strong sense of connection.
Provide direction
Our brains loathe uncertainty. You can minimize this uncertainty by designing new meeting rhythms, setting near-term and long-term goals, and establishing revised expectations. Direction and structure serve as a source of comfort—they inspire focus and purpose. Your team needs this to stay productive, hopeful, and engaged.
Here are a few thoughts on ways to create connection and provide direction during this time:
Finally, but arguably most importantly, great leaders will remain connected to themselves during this time.
By that, I mean they will be in tune with their own emotions and able to effectively manage them. People need to see a grounded sense of confidence in their leaders right now. They want vulnerability—to see that you are fully human and willing to share your fears and anxieties—but they also want to trust that those fears and anxieties won't cripple you. It’s a big ask, I know.
Here are two resources to help:
The NICE™ model: Rather than stuffing the stress, this model helps us healthily process it. What we resist, persists. Instead of pushing our strong emotions aside—such as fear, anger, or sadness—let's practice effectively identifying and managing them. Learn how to use the model in my most recent blog post: Managing strong emotions the N.I.C.E way.
Dealing with uncertainty: This 3-minute video describes how the brain responds to ambiguity, plus two practical strategies for responding in a more productive manner.
Let’s not waste this time.
May we rally together in new ways, genuinely care for each other at new depths, tap into creativity that’s been dormant amidst fast-paced lives, and come out on the other side stronger together.
Take care and lead well,
Abbey