For company leaders, the way we conduct business has virtually changed overnight. We’ve had to adapt to a remote working environment, stay on top of organizational goals and lead our team members under extraordinary circumstances.
Everything has come to an abrupt halt, including the way we de-stress. No more working out at the gym or meeting for happy hours, instead we’ve had to find new ways to take some of the pressure away. Putting your own mental wellbeing aside, if you’ve been leading a team that’s now working remotely, prioritizing their physical and psychological safety is number one.
Here are some ways leaders can protect their employee’s emotional well-being and build resilience during times of uncertainty.
Focus on the positives
Did a team member land a new sale despite the current hurdles placed in front of them? Perhaps an IT employee found and installed new software that will make working from home more streamlined for the entire team. Leaders, rather than dwell on the inevitable obstacles, can choose to invest their energy on focusing on the positives and expressing gratitude to their employees.
By finding the silver linings and maintaining an upbeat attitude, people around you will begin to mimic that same emotion, tool.
Make safety a priority
Your team needs the kind of leader who will make their safety and emotional well-being a top priority, especially during times of crisis. Employees need to be heard; whether it’s lending an ear to understand their anxieties and frustrations or reassuring them that you are there to support them, a strong leader must prioritize human connections in order to build trust and prepare employees to handle a pandemic or similar crisis.
Take time to connect
Now, and even under normal circumstances, it’s perfectly okay for a leader to connect with each team member on a more personal level. Maybe you could start your morning Zoom meetings by asking an employee to share something interesting about themselves — or —- start every day with an inspirational talk.