Navigating pandemic-related challenges, surprises, and changes isn’t easy for anyone. Leaders need help too, and those with the right skills and mindset will be best equipped to guide their teams through this crisis. These include:
- The ability to make decisions in the absence of information. There’s no precedent for much that is happening now, so leaders can’t depend on historical data, experience, or best practices. They need to be prepared to make decisions quickly with limited information.
- Empathy and understanding. Leaders need to genuinely connect with employees and be supportive. They need to realize that people respond in their own way to a crisis and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to helping their teams.
- Moods and feelings can fluctuate considerably during trying times. Leaders shouldn’t expect their team members to exhibit the same drive, energy, and level of productivity every day. They need to be patient and watch for signs that someone is having a tough time and may need help or a break.
- Willingness/ability to have uncomfortable conversations. Leaders need to be alert for signs of discrimination, anger, bigotry, or blame (in themselves and others) and be prepared to address each situation with fairness and authenticity.
