Leading During the Pandemic

Unprecedented times like we’re going through today can create a wide variety of emotional responses few of us have ever experienced. Literally, there has never been a time in our lives when living in the moment, of being present in the moment, is as important as it is right now. Such times require exceptional leadership skills.

Balancing the shifting needs of the moment with the complex emotions that result from the constant changes requires a conscious focus on being present. This is true for yourself and your significant others: whether family, friends, or the team you lead.

During this current crisis, this pandemic, your leaderships skills will be tested like never before. Further, your ability to perceive and manage your emotional responses, as well the emotions of others, will be needed. That is, your emotional intelligence skills will also be severely challenged.

Of course, being there for others in times of uncertainty begins with being there for yourself. As an emotionally intelligent leader, whether a business owner or a corporate executive, you should be able to handle the emotional responses to these challenges. You are able to be with yourself and treat yourself with kindness and understanding.

Similarly, you are able to do the same for your team (and those in your personal life).

Crisis Leadership Skills in High Demand

Exhibiting your leadership skills in times of crisis is likely nothing new to you. However, it’s incredibly rare to experience such a broad-based, ongoing situation as this pandemic. The emotional rollercoaster that so many are experiencing requires a higher level of understanding than you have needed in the past.

While the emotional turbulence among your team may be more obvious than before the pandemic, that is true because it is more severe. This requires increased compassion and better understanding of their needs, such as:

• Acknowledge others’ emotional turmoil – Acknowledging and responding to your own emotional needs in times of crisis is important for staying productive. Taking it to the next level by doing the same for your team makes you a truly exceptional leader.

For many people anxiety, sadness, and anger are prominently on display at this time. Processing these feelings is very important, for you and them, but being able to move forward is critical. Just because certain individuals are able to continue performing does not mean they are not experiencing a powerful emotional response. You cannot afford to dismiss their emotional needs, just as they can’t, either.

• Create a psychological safety net – It’s very important to remember that the current situation is unique in our experience. Therefore, you will have to accept that virtually any reaction is valid. (This is true for yourself as well as for others.)

The sense of uncertainty that so many are experiencing can increase their feelings of anxiety. However, letting them know that you are working on potential solutions will be reassuring to them. This creates the safety net mentioned earlier, enabling them to feel more confident that things will get better. In other words, silence leads to uncertainty while communication adds authenticity and transparency – even if you don’t have all the answers.

Connect Safely

• Stay connected – Daily small steps that enable communication will help them to better tolerate the uncertainty. With so many people working remotely, it’s increasingly easy and convenient to withdraw from the team. This leads to a sense of avoidance and isolation that makes them feel unappreciated and unsafe.

You can help them handle this separation more effectively through daily communication. For example, we know of one virtual team that has set up an arbitrary schedule of 15-minute daily meetings. These Zoom encounters are voluntary and agenda-free. They are designed to increase connection rather than to compel production. The result so far has been increased openness and confidence that they are sharing an unprecedented experience and coping well with it.

• Seek your own safe space – As a leader, it can often be hard to find someone with whom you can safely share your own reaction to a crisis situation. This starts with being mindful of your own emotions (which we spoke of before), and creating a self-built safe space. Enhance daily communication with a daily intention, something you want to work toward to maintain focus. You will create a sense of self-gratitude and accomplishment.

Next, look for a reciprocal connection with someone you can rely on to share your concerns in a judgment free environment. Being there for others is always important, but having someone who will be there for you is necessary too. Even as an emotionally intelligent leader who provides these things for your team, you need them in your life, as well.

Self-care is Critical

Please make sure that, in these unprecedented times, you have the ability to recharge and re-energize so that you can move forward with your next day. Take good care of yourself: one step at a time; one day at a time, one precious moment at a time.

If you feel like you need to connect and get to know each other or work on other leadership skills, I offer a free session where we can brainstorm an action plan: click here to schedule your free call.