Being a leader in any capacity is an immense responsibility. As you look out for your team, the way you act and react can greatly influence their day. In stressful times such as a pandemic, while it may be more difficult, it is more important than ever to manage yourself to be a strong presence for those who work with/for you. No matter my stress levels, I aim to be a bright, bubbly light for our team to keep energy and morale lifted.
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Check out our tips below on how to continue to be the leader your team needs:
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1) Manage your energy. The energy that you radiate will directly reflect in your staff. Not only could this set the tone for the entire day, but it can also affect productivity. It’s up to you to decide if it will be in a positive or a negative way.
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For example, if I’ve had a terrible sleep or I’m feeling overwhelmed, I’d rather smile and say, “I can do it!” rather than start the day with a complaint. Believing in my productivity, rather than doubting it will ensure it’ll happen. It can also be a motivator for the rest of the team in the event they are feeling sluggish, as well.
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2) Inspire Good Energy. Foster a safe workspace where employees feel comfortable coming to the table with what’s on their mind and having positive, productive conversations. Empower everyone to look out for one another and help wherever it’s needed. Make it known that if one person is struggling, the others are there to lift them up. Teamwork makes the dream work, after all.
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This is a process that has always been at the core of REX. Sometimes it’s not possible to leave home at home, and if you have something on your mind, it can cloud your thoughts and affect your focus. REX’s open-door policy is communicated on day one. Knowing that I can bring anything to the table and talk it out is a huge comfort. It has also helped the team come together numerous times and create a stronger bond than we’ve experienced in any other workspace.
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3) Let your team know how important their contribution is. The benefits that come from expressing gratitude are endless. Gratitude is strongly associated with greater happiness. It helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, and build strong relationships. Not only do your staff deserve to be appreciated, but if they truly feel it, you may witness more motivation, drive, and productivity.
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In my experience, gratitude is one of the strongest forms of validation. Seeds of doubt can creep into your mind, but acknowledgment and appreciation can make a world of difference in your performance and success.
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4) Be transparent & Communicate. There is no such thing as over-communicating in a crisis. The more your people know, the better prepared they are to help. Being kept in the dark can cause a spike in anxiety and helplessness, which I have experienced previously. Your team wants to succeed as much as you do, and they are better equipped than anyone to help. Call all hands on deck! Communicate the problem, brainstorm solutions, and work as a team to make it happen.
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5) Encourage experimentation and learning. It is in times of crisis that you witness substantial growth. Take advantage of this time to pivot, react to situations, find new solutions. And encourage your team to do the same. When you come out on the other side, you will be stronger for it.
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As we pivot ourselves and help our clients pivot, each of us is taking on new tasks and more responsibility. I have experienced and witnessed my team experience more personal and professional growth over the last two months than ever before. We have all come to the table and it is so inspiring to witness.
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We are all navigators during this time, but we hope these tips help make it a little easier. Let us know which tips you’ve integrated!
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