- Communicate well
- Help them build a structure
- Keep morale high
- Focus on important things first
Communication will be key over the next few weeks; everyone is feeling uncertain and that means that a lot of people will be functioning using their emotional brain. Functioning in this place for a long time can cause high anxiety so reducing this for your team is important. Start by making sure that everyone has what they need, technology-wise to do their job at home. We don’t want people to feel frustrated and out of the loop due to not having access. Speaking to people regularly will be important now, as people will only now release how important those chat in the office kitchen were.
Managers can help teams create structure and habits by setting up meeting points during the day, for example – everyone jumps on a call at 9am to say good morning and share what they are working on that day, then you could set up an open call at 1pm for an hour, so people can have a lunch hour, everyone can see each other’s kids, dogs, and life. Then at around 3pm you can have a final call to wrap up the day, discuss any challenges and how to proceed the next day. This is will help build structure quickly rather than people taking weeks to get this right. Ask anyone that works from home, they have a structure, a routine, a way of working to make sure things get done. Otherwise, nothing gets done!
As the leader being able to re-frame the situation into a positive and focus on how each person can aim to make the business successful at this time is vital. People will be getting nervous and feel unsure about what is due to come. They need you to step up and lead. They need you to remain positive and focus on the opportunities that are being presented. I will share a training video soon with a practical tool that can help you do this but in the meantime focus on positive language and behaviors.
Lastly, focus on the important things. Try shift the focus of the team to activities or projects that have always taken a back seat – the ones that would make the job easier, more effective and in the long run keep the business going. This is a great way to use the time that has now been created in a more productive way than just manning email accounts. Really focus on being creators in a time of struggle, think about what your customers need right now to make life better and find a way to give them that. Be that internal or external customer.
Remember we are all in this together! I will keep sharing free tips and training over the coming weeks. Please subscribe to the mailing list to get the training videos sent out as they are created. Please share this content with anyone that it might be helpful too and please comment on it with any situations that you and your team are facing and ask for help. I will try to create content or jump on a call with you to help you through.
Stay safe and stay positive!