Navigating Stressful Times as a Leader
True leadership shines brightest in times of crisis. When chaos ensues, your team will look to you for guidance, stability, and hope. Whether it’s a global pandemic, organizational upheaval, or personal challenges, leading during stressful times requires a unique set of skills.
Consider these strategies on how you can steer your team through the challenging times and emerge stronger on the other side:
Prioritize Leadership and Engage Deeply with Your Team
Be Visible: Your team needs to see you. Even if you are working remotely, maintain regular communication through individual or team meetings. Increase the frequency of these interactions depending on the severity of the situation (e.g. layoffs, re-organization).
Set the Tone: Your attitude ripples through the organization. Don’t let the stress show. Stay optimistic and solution-focused. Let your “leader shadow” project calmness, resilience, and adaptability so your team can come to you.
Empathize: Recognize that everyone responds differently to stress. Show compassion and flexibility. Understand that individual needs may vary and accommodate accordingly. However, remember you can empathize with someone without absorbing their emotions. After difficult discussions, take a moment to check if what you are feeling is yours or influenced by the other person. Maintain emotional boundaries if your own experience is different.
Communicate Openly and Authentically
Listen Actively: Don’t listen just to reply. Listen to understand your team’s fears, concerns, and ideas. Be present and attentive to what employees are saying - and not saying.
Be Transparent: Uncertainty breeds anxiety. Share what you know—even if it’s limited. Acknowledge challenges and provide context. If you can’t share certain information, be honest about it. Silence can be more unsettling than partial information or acknowledging if certain information cannot be shared.
Make Tough Decisions Swiftly
Adapt Boldly: In rapidly changing circumstances, be prepared to pivot. Take calculated risks when necessary. Agility is key.
Reliably Deliver: Consistency matters. Keep your promises—even the small ones. Amid the chaos, reliability provides stability.
Cultivate Your Resilience
Prioritize Self-Care: As a leader, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s essential. Prioritize sleep, maintain your exercise routine, and monitor your mental health. Seek advice from peers or confidants to ensure you’re fully present for your team. When you prioritize self-care, you send a powerful message. Your team will notice and see it is okay to recharge, seek support, and prioritize their well-being.
Learn Continuously: Draw wisdom from others who’ve weathered challenging times. Read, listen, and adapt. Learning keeps you agile.
Model Calmness: Your demeanor and attitude set the tone for the entire team. When you remain composed, your team follows suit.
Your “leader shadow” influences whether team members willingly follow your lead or become disengaged. When your actions align with your words, trust deepens. Conversely, inconsistencies erode trust. Leading during stressful times is not about having all the answers; it’s about guiding your team through the uncertainty. Be the lighthouse—the unwavering beacon that helps them navigate the darkness.