As the world enters a new, post-pandemic era, business leaders are all asking themselves the same question — how do we motivate, inspire, and drive our oftentimes understaffed and overwhelmed teams?
And how do we continue to lead through a crisis that doesn’t have an end in sight?
While there’s no magic formula for this, there are important factors to keep in mind to ensure you’re leading with sensitivity, authenticity, and strength.
Be Flexible
It’s been a tough year for everyone — not just you, or your employees. It’s critical that leaders remain agile and flexible with scheduling.
Parents are still working through child care chaos (or lack thereof.)
Plus, as people start to return to the workplace, employees will need to adjust to physical surroundings — basically, being with people again.
Leaders need to be aware of these needs, and accommodate their teams as much as possible to ensure employees feel heard, respected, and valued.
Stay Positive
What seems like such a simple task is actually way harder than it seems, especially in the midst of a global pandemic and economic recession.
But it’s crucial for leaders to leverage tactics like positive words of encouragement, financial compensation, or public recognition to encourage their team members.
But leaders, make sure you personalize the positivity. For example, Betty Sue might be very uncomfortable with recognition in large group settings, like a team meeting. But Bobby Joe might thrive when being called out in front of peers and leadership.
Make sure that you identify how your individual team members prefer to be recognized and rewarded before dishing out your positivity.
Communicate Openly
Frequent, open, and honest communication is crucial during difficult times in order to maintain, or drive, employee engagement
But that doesn’t mean that you, as a leader, have to have all the answers before communicating with your team.
In fact, it’s perfectly acceptable — and actually, appreciated! — when leaders communicate openly and do their best to bridge the gap between what’s happening at the top and how it will impact the future of the team.
Good luck, leaders!
