Leading through uncertain times

Change is as good as the rest, but leading a team through uncertain times is a skill that many managers find they must learn. We've all had our fair share of challenges over the past few years, but as we navigate a post-COVID world, there's still a lot of uncertainty in the business and economic landscape.

In 2022, some industries started to stabilize while others continued to face challenges. If we're being honest, some of us are currently wondering if there's a recession lurking around the corner and what that could mean.

As leaders, it's our responsibility to navigate our teams through the uncertainty, maintain focus, and motivate them to achieve their best work.

Turbulent times will often reveal the difference between a people manager and a people leader. The latter is key to retaining, inspiring and motivating talent, thus promoting a positive work culture.

With all of the above in mind, here are some tips to help you support and develop team members during these uncertain times.

I've also thrown in a nostalgic music playlist for a bit of fun! 

1. Communicate - let em' know what's going on

First up, try to communicate effectively. You know what they say, "communication is key." If you're not effectively cascading relevant information to your team, then it makes things harder for everyone. I'm as guilty of this as the next person, so I try to set up routines in my schedule that will prompt information transfer.

Bearing in mind that people will recieve the message effectively depending on the medium of communication, verbal and digital methods of getting messages across are equally important.

So, try to keep your team informed and engaged by regularly by communicating updates on the business and any changes that may be coming.

"During a crisis, an employee’s most trusted source of information is often their employer, and a leader’s words and actions can have a major impact on the well-being of those they manage."

The quote above, from this McKinsey & Co blog post illustrates this point well.

This is easier said than done with a busy schedule, but setting up activities like regular team meetings or a team bulletin can help you standardise a communication process. As an added bonus, you'll prevent rumours and hearsay from spreading like wildfire.

2. Wellbeing - how is your team doing?

Next, focus on employee wellbeing. This one's a no-brainer, but your team's wellbeing should always be a top priority.

Many businesses will usually offer support and resources for mental and emotional health, such as employee assistance programs, and via online wellbeing platforms like Plumm and Unmind. It's important to try and signpost these services via your intranet and general HR comms to remind colleagues where they can access anonymous wellbeing support services.

According to research by Gallup on the cost of poor wellbeing:

"$322 of turnover and lost productivity cost globally due to employee burnout."

Taking the time to ask how individual colleagues are and generally checking in can mean more than we may realise. Is it time to ask if Annie is really ok?

3. Professional Development - learning is for life

Managing a team means that you have some understanding of their skill gaps and current capabilities. It's also incumbent on many professionals to keep up their "CPD" i.e., Continuous Professional Development throughout their careers.

Don't be afraid to encourage your team to pursue growth and development opportunities. After all, you want your team to be the best they can be. Encourage them to take online courses, attend webinars or conferences, and collaborate with other teams to learn new skills and techniques.

"Industry trends move rapidly, and it’s important for companies to keep pace with the times. Ongoing professional development can prevent potential stagnation by maintaining—and improving—employee skills." quote from the Harvard Professional Development blog

Learning new skills is great for business and will somewhat mitigate the need to look to external hires. 

4. When the going gets tough, think resilience

Moving on, let's focus on fostering a culture of resilience. Change is the only constant, and that's especially true during uncertain times. So, encourage and support your team to be resilient and work together to overcome challenges.

The ability to adapt to change and bounce back from setbacks is critical during uncertain times. The saying that goes "this too shall pass" applies here. Try to help your team to focus on what they can control in the moment and guide them to look towards the future to build optimism. 

5. I need a little time

And last but not least, take care of yourself. Don't forget to use the employee assistance programs and wellbeing platforms offered by your company. It's easy to get caught up in work and forget about your own wellbeing, but you can't be an effective leader if you're burnt out. So, take a break, watch some cat videos on YouTube, and come back to work feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.

"Having healthy self-care routines and habits helps reduce stress and replenish your energy. Self-care also supports your productivity, increases feelings of happiness, empowers your decision-making, and improves your mental, physical, and emotional well-being." Forbes Leadership

In conclusion

Leadership during uncertain times can be tough, but with the right mindset and strategies, we can have better outcomes. So, let's communicate effectively, focus on wellbeing, encourage professional development, foster a culture of resilience, and take care of ourselves.

P.S. The images are linked to the songs on YouTube!

#leadership #teams #linemanagement #change #changemanagement #peoplemanagement #peopleandculture #learning #wellbeing

Disclaimer: all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own unless where quoted and credited. These points of view are mine and not written on behalf of any employer or company I may be affiliated with. The ideas put forward in this article are based on people management best practice and my professional experience. I aim to link or credit any source data or images that are included in this post. I am not affiliated with any company or product named in the text. Thank you for reading.