Leading In Uncertain Times

by Kathy Cooperman

Stages of Change. Uncertainty . . . confusion . . . fear . . . anxiety . . . hopelessness

How are you coping?

The entire nation is in a state of emergency. If you’re like most Americans, you’ve never experienced anything quite like the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic.
As a leader, you are likely facing a multitude of challenges:

- Managing your own reactions to this crisis.
- Encouraging your employees; calming their fears.
- Fielding questions that may have no answers.
- Leading your team from a distance.

Based on research over the past decade, leaders can address these challenges at least in part by following some proven practices.

1. Communicate

During a crisis, communication is your best tool. Stay in close touch with your team. Assuming your team is working virtually, capitalize on technology to keep in touch.

- Communicate honestly, clearly and often.
- Employees want to know what this means for them, personally.
- Share what you know; update frequently.
- Explain that you will keep them informed as new information becomes available.
- Even if no new developments arise, reinforce daily what you do know and what that means for employees.
- Lead conference calls or video chats so your team can feel a sense of comfort from their work “family”.

Stay informed yourself with the latest reliable information about the pandemic and its impact on your organization, your department and individuals. Reliable resources include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Daily communication is necessary to prevent employees from making false assumptions or spreading myths about the future of the organization. Be willing to listen to the concerns of each employee; make yourself available to extend empathy and encouragement.

2. Identify what you can control

Clearly you cannot control the universal spread of the virus by yourself. Identify what you can control.

Examples:
- Model safety guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
- Avoid crowds of 10 people or more.
- Practice strong hygiene habits (handwashing, disinfecting surfaces, etc.)
- Lighten the mood.
- Allow employees to share stories about working from home . . . consider a motivational activity like posting photos of their kids and/or pets “helping them” work from home.
- If it’s within the scope of your role, assign meaningful assignments that give employees a sense of meaning.

3. Set and share goals

Working from home is a perfect time to revisit that New Year’s resolution. Spending much more time at home might allow you (and your employees) to implement realistic goals/action plans such as:

- Organizing online files.
- Cleaning up your inbox.
- Exercising.
- Taking an online course (excellent opportunity for employee development).
- Completing mandatory coursework (ethics training, safety/security training, etc.)

In Summary

During times of crisis, great leaders show up. They help ease fears and offer support and a vision for what can happen.

Looking back five years from now, your employees will remember how you lead them through this difficult and unique period.

Kathy Cooperman, an executive coach and leadership expert, is the president and founder of KC Leadership Consulting LLC. For more information, contact her at kathy@kathycooperman.com, www.kathycooperman.com or 720.542.3324.