Management during a crisis like a pandemic is challenging, complex, and constantly shifting. With employees working at different locations, it’s more difficult than ever to consistently connect, communicate, and share information.
To be an effective manager in a time of crisis, consider these three skills:
- Maintain an impartial mindset. Take an employee-first approach to management and focus on each person’s goals, strengths, and challenges. Set specific expectation but listen and help ensure that every employee has the tools, devices, information, and skills to work successfully in this new normal.
- Be adaptable. Be prepared to shift gears quickly and move from task to task. Identify and fill gaps in your team skills and make the most of everyone’s strengths. This requires knowing your people and ensuring that they are comfortable coming to you with questions and concerns.
- Have a knack for problem-solving. Don’t shy away from or ignore problems. Instead, tackle them head on; chase down answers and determine the next best step, even when it takes you out of your comfort zone. At the same time, encourage your teams to be innovators and decision-makers, and make sure they have the skills and confidence to be problem-solvers.
