In the current pandemic environment many businesses are in change mode or forced to pivot because of a transformed market landscape. We have had to pivot in order to survive. At the same time we are living through a time of collective national, global and personal anxiety that is impacting our decision making on a daily basis.
Change under such circumstances can be a difficult experience and something that perhaps we need to acknowledge. Constantly making the best of a set of circumstances largely outside of our control. Learning to look past the uncertainty and make decisions. Adjusting to opportunity has become a Just In Time discipline.
What if we liken our ability to cope with Change to that of flexing a muscle? In that instance it would be no surprise to find that as a result of (pandemic) fatigue or over stretching to survive, our ability to cope with Change has become strained. When we strain something we know that we need Rest and Recovery.
In this instance we need a rest from constant big Change. This is a difficult ask but there are some easy ways to help this happen within any workplace. We can exercise our leadership muscle to strengthen ourselves with some daily practices.
Make a decision Choose something where you have a reasonable level of control over the parameters. The anxiety of not deciding on lower impact decisions is compounding our pandemic anxiety. Identify the minimum requirement, choose, move on. Save your energy for important things.
Hold regular project reviews Review progress at interval points that support the team in addressing and mitigating risks. This keeps long running projects on task and allows a shorter term project to build teamwork and communication effectively.
Ensure you/the team recognise progress and achievements Note progress. Provide positive feedback without the precondition of another ask. Say thank you or send an email as acknowledgement.
Schedule individual meetings to check in with your team, or your mentor Make the time to check in with your employees either in person or online. At the end of the meeting repeat the main points so that your employee knows that you have listened. If you are a sole trader then make time for you to check in with your mentor.
Promote mental health and access to support services Make information on support services, health and wellbeing readily available. For businesses that already have a stretched budget there are many free accredited resources available through your regional and national health authority.
Reinforce a positive Work/Life routine in the work environment This can be as simple as scheduling vacation time. Respect lunch breaks and time off. Lead by example.
These and other small steps will encourage a sense of respite whether it is a day; a week or even a month. A period of stability to allow Recovery to take place.
Recognise that it has been a really tough time, with a lot of change and that we have done really well to get through it.