Marie Smith (SUCCESSMITH)
Leading teams in this time of global uncertainty is particularly challenging. Everything is changing on a daily basis and this calls for leaders to raise their leadership game.
Recognise that the humans in your business are paramount to your success. When some of your team may be furloughed or working, keeping your team involved is more of a challenge right now.
Everyone is going through an emotional roller coaster on a constantly fluctuating basis. This often causes feelings akin to grieving – for the loss of what was, and a fear of the future Kubler Ross – Change and Stages of Grief
As humans we have basic needs for food, safety and security, and these drive our behaviours and actions. Many will be familiar with Maslows Hierachy of Needs. Understanding this informs the way we lead others.
| Leading | Potential Issue | Leadership Tip |
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Working Individuals |
Conflicting priorities, especially if working at home, juggling space and priorities with others, and feeling the pressure HBR Stress Bell Curve
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Communicate and give clarity on the PURPOSE (why the business exists) then SUPPORT your team members to prioritise, make decisions, plan and deliver in a focused way Eisenhower Matrix
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| Feeling mixed emotions such as guilt for being able to work, or resentment for having to work, whilst colleagues are temporarily furloughed | Regular communication (5 minutes each day) to give updates and ask how they are feeling, giving time for them to talk while you really LISTEN.
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| Low motivation especially feeling distracted by other commitments at home such as caring responsibilities | Ask open QUESTIONS and listen to the answers, then ask more questions (coaching skills – GROW) to support the individual to find their own way forward to boost their motivation
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Furloughed individuals |
Mixed emotions – some feeling unvalued as they have temporarily lost their job, and others feeling gratitude for having extra time at home.
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UNDERSTAND each individual and make a regular check in so they can TALK Mental Health Awareness
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| Financial worries – managing on reduced income, concerned about providing necessities for their dependants | Keep abreast of the current situation Regular updates by Ian Girling , DCCI website
and Government website Remember to share any key information with your team
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And finally remember to:
- Ask insightful questions and listen to the responses – COACH rather than tell
- Be more visible and stay CONNECTED through regular daily check in‘s
- Articulate the purpose of the business, ask what support is needed, listen to questions asked and give individuals RESPONSIBILITY to deliver
- Encourage skills and competence development and DELEGATE appropriately
- Show up as your true self, be honest and demonstrate VULNERABILITY as it builds respect and trust
Any issues that are not dealt with here? Come and participate in this online Experience Coaching half day event on 4 May: CIPD & ICF Experience Coaching info & booking
To develop your coaching skills further, check out DCCI -The Learning Lab as I will be facilitating a session ‘Crucial Coaching Conversations’ in the future
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-smith-cpcc-exec-coach