Leading in Difficult Times

As a leader, you have the immense task of helping your team cope during times of uncertainty and seemingly constant bad news. You have to keep yourself and your team moving forward to reach your goals. Simply trying to plod your way through may have worked for a while, but now it seems impossible.

What are your team members going through?

It’s very likely that you’re working with a team that is:

Distracted

The constant input can feel a bit like multiple people are yelling “Fire!” at random times, from different directions. There’s a sense that everything is equally important and that can lead to feeling as though you have to drop what you’re doing and pick up the new task right away. That leads to distracted work where even though everyone is working hard, nothing gets completely done.

Low energy

The nonstop barrage can be exhausting. Having to process the constant input can leave you with little energy for your daily work. And when you’re chronically stressed, you may also find it difficult to get restful sleep, so your energy won’t be at its normal levels.

Afraid

No one makes great decisions when they’re making them from the perspective of fear and insecurity, nor can they do their best work. When people are afraid of losing their job or not being able to afford what their family needs or potential physical harm, they are not going to be team players. They’re too busy trying to figure out how to keep themselves safe to be concerned with their teammates.

Tuning out

For many, figuratively putting their hands over their ears is the only way they can keep going. They’ve reached a point where they just can’t stand to hear one more piece of bad news or one more announcement that tells them their life is getting worse. That leads to people doing what I like to call “turtling.” They withdraw like turtles into their shells to try to ride out the bad stuff rather than meeting any more of it head on.

What does this mean for team dynamics?

Your team will take their eyes off the mission.

Your team members are likely to feel disconnected from team goals and company mission. Even in good times, it can be a challenge to maintain focus. You might find that team members need more frequent reminders for tasks that they would normally have done on their own. Their work might also be incomplete or not done to their normal standards.

You will notice a drop in collaboration.

Teamwork requires trust, which is often lost when people are feeling insecure or unsafe. They might be looking at you differently and having thoughts that “management” doesn’t care about them. They may also misinterpret comments, ideas, and suggestions from others in the group to be slights or criticisms. When everyone is on edge, not only do they not collaborate well, but you may also notice an uptick in conflict.

Team members may be reluctant to assist or mentor others.

Who has energy to help others when you can barely keep up the energy to do everything you have to each day? You might find that team members are less willing to help with onboarding, teach others new skills, share knowledge, or take on new projects. When team members are tired, it’s going to be a challenge to get them to accept new or extra responsibilities.

You might see less patience with both internal and external customers of your team.

Even in ordinary times, customers (whether internal or external) experiencing problems can come off as needy or picky and can wear away your patience. You might find that team members drag their feet to respond to customer problems or they may pull you in more quickly than they used to. Many of your customers may be feeling the same way as your team, so the conversations can be more fraught than they would normally be.

What are some strategies that you can employ to help yourself and your team through the rough times?

Take Care of Yourself

This idea isn’t revolutionary, but it’s surprising how often it’s neglected.

•            Get your sleep, eat healthy, and exercise to combat the physical effects of stress.

•            Engage in refreshing activities before or after work so you can keep a healthy perspective.

•            Make time for family and friends. Socializing will help to ensure that you don’t feel isolated and alone and instead feel part of a supportive community.

You'll be better able to handle whatever problems your team members are having if you're OK.

Encourage self-care for your team

Modeling the behavior and habits of taking care of yourself will go a long way to making your team members understand that it’s OK for them to do the same. Make it clear to your team that not only are you prioritizing your own self-care, but that you want them to take care of themselves, too.

Maintain focus on goals and day-to-day work

Your team will likely need to do a small amount of venting. But too much focus on negative talk can lead your team into a downward spiral. Lean on your ability to bring the conversation back to the work at hand. Having something positive and engaging to concentrate on will be helpful to many people as they process what’s happening around them.

Address conflict rationally

Stress can make some people react more quickly to perceived slights or to lash out. When conflict arises, keep everyone focused on the facts and away from personal traits. Sometimes, when we have an issue with another person, it’s easy to demonize or belittle them. If you hear that, you can make a gentle but firm correction and reestablish the appropriate topic that should be everyone’s focus.

Be Inclusive and Empathetic

As a leader, it's part of your job to be understanding of your team members' life circumstances. Even in good times, you will occasionally have a team member who is going through a life challenge.

Some team members may need a one or more slower days. Some may need to talk about what’s happening to or around them. Listen, adapt, and adjust. Know that this won't last forever. With your help, your team will feel heard and have a sense of belonging.

Steering Your Team Successfully through the Chaos

Your team members, and you, are going through a lot as you take in all the chaos. With the right perspective and strategies, though, you can ensure that you and your team members stay on track and productive.