Leading Through Uncertainty
We are all facing changes big and small right now in our professional and personal lives. Uncertainty during an event like this adds a level of stress that can make even routine tasks seem nerve-wracking.
I’ve compiled some advice for steps you can take during times of uncertainty to help you and your team stay safe, stay engaged, and stay focused on moving forward.
While my area of expertise is the working world, I urge you to think about other community organization teams, family, and other social groups when you read these tips.
Communicate clearly and be decisive.
Communicate often and be upfront about the unknowns. If you don’t know an answer, admit it succinctly. Commit to a timeline to get an answer (or at least an update) to your employee. Lying, deceit, spreading misinformation, or withholding information is the worst possible thing you can do right now.
Be clear about what is required and hold people accountable.
For example: “Video is required for the first 5 minutes of a virtual call” (BTW - I highly recommend this). “Being available on Slack is required from 9am - 5:30pm." Or, “I recommend you connect with colleagues as often as you need to via chat or virtual call. Keeping connections strong is important during this time, even informal connections.”
You may need to micromanage more than before. Ensure your team that it is only for a trial or “experimentation” period.
For those new to remote work, ask for a written update every other day (or weekly, if that makes more sense) on work tasks, progress, and any questions they may have. Remember to set expectations on the quality and detail you’re looking for. Examples always help.
If the employee does well in a remote setup, you can abandon this tactic. If the employee struggles with self-management while working at home, you must manage it. Hold them accountable, and nip it in the bud before bad behaviors and bad habits set in.
Experiment and pilot different approaches and find out what works. Maybe it’s a verbal update daily, maybe it’s a written update every few days. Maybe it’s individual, maybe it’s team-based. Just make sure it’s fair and you actually will read/act upon their updates.
Build trust through authenticity and vulnerability, but watch out for extremes.
Adopt a fact-based approach and nip rumors in the bud. Be authentic and vulnerable but beware of emotional contagion. If you exhibit extreme stress or extreme anxiety, your team will pick up on it and likely feel that way too. You may feel stressed as a leader in an uncertain time, but be aware of extreme exhibits of
Make a plan, but be ready to pivot.
Don't be afraid to reset priorities in real time. If you need to pivot, communicate the pivot clearly both in writing and in a team call/video conference. Tell your team that you need their support in being flexible. Again, experiment and pilot approaches with your team’s input. Pivot and change if one approach doesn’t work.
Share good news.
In uncertain times, it can feel doomsday-ish. I recommend sharing good news, however small, on a regular basis. Need inspiration? My favorites are @goodnews_movement and @goodnewsnetwork.
In uncertain times, people look to empathic and decisive leaders to help them navigate everyday life. Be that leader for your people, family, and community.
Given this is a huge moment for leaders to step up, I am offering my Leadership Coaching services for 15% off during the months of March and April. Use code MARCH2020 during checkout.
I’m here to help you help others. Be in touch soon to set up a free 20-min consult.
