Leading your team effectively during COVID-19

The current healthcare crisis has brought with it a lot of uncertainty for organisations. Leaders have had to adapt to new ways of thinking and many are now managing a remote work-force. Here are some important tips for leaders to keep in mind during these uncertain times for you and your team.

COMMUNICATE

Regularly update your team and let them know what you expect from them during this time to limit uncertainty and anxiety.

BE CLEAR

Give clear and updated information to your team on tasks or challenges the company is facing. Ensure everyone is clear on the lines of communication if working from home.

EMPATHISE

Communication without empathy is not effective in a crisis situation. Listen to employees and understand their stresses and worries at this time so you can plan around them.

BE FLEXIBLE

Think outside the box in terms of how to adapt to the changes and challenges your team is facing. This will keep employees motivated and they will feel more valued.

BE PROACTIVE

Business continuity is key, so set out plans that will help you overcome future obstacles, particularly around future workplace practices and government guidelines for reducing risk to employees. Prepare for a new normal.

REMAIN POSITIVE

Seek out the positives despite the crisis, and share these with your team. This will help instill some confidence in your employees and encourage positive mindsets.

BE TRANSPARENT

Where possible, be open and honest about your concerns and the potential challenges the organisation could face as a result of the crisis. Whilst this can cause some worry, employees will be prepared and will want to problem-solve.

PERSEVERE

Regardless of the unavoidable obstacles your company is facing, continue to guide and empower your team towards a successful future, taking these tips into account. Take some time to reflect, but don’t give up, the crisis will pass.