As business leaders, we are currently focused on coming up with ways to reduce the impact of the coronavirus on our companies as much as possible so that we can come out the other end with the minimum of loses, especially in human capital.
Our days are full of analysing possible scenarios and creating contingency plans. However, we mustn’t forget that “our people are our most valued asset”. When we get to the end of this, and we will, it is our people that will help us to recover.
So, it is paramount that along with dealing with the operational issues, we spend time and effort keeping our teams together and as positive as possible.
Here are 6 simple suggestions to achieve that:
1. Maintain regular contact with your team.
With many people working from home, have at least one daily virtual meeting with the whole team together, even if there is no business or operational issue to discuss. This will maintain team spirit and help your team not to feel isolated. Video conferencing is much more powerful than having sound only.
2. Keep on pushing a positive note.
It is our duty to help our teams see that there is an end to this. Be honest in recognizing that things might get very difficult, but you WILL come of this as a TEAM. Build on the fact that you are all in this together.
3. Give as much information as possible.
More than ever, now is the time to be an open book with your team.
4. Be honest.
Both with good and bad news. You gain credibility and trust.
5. Focus on what can be done rather than what can’t.
It is only natural that virtually every team discussion will end up highlighting the problems and challenges of today. If you are not careful, the team will sink into a state of giving-up. Halt this as soon as you can and re-focus the conversation on discussing possible ideas and brainstorming solutions.
6. Involve your team in creating your survival plan.
Don’t try to do everything yourselves. Involve your team in coming up with ways to reduce cost, utilise better what you already have and come up with alternative ways of working.
It would be interesting to hear which practices you use that help to keep your team engaged.