Lately most of my discussions have been centred around the demands of the workplace. We all know that during this time it is exceedingly difficult to find a balance, however the undertone I get the most is that people’s bosses are being even harder on them and expecting people to work in overdrive. I found this was very interesting given that nowadays emphasis is placed on the importance of mental health in general and by extension the workplace. I’m constantly surprised that people are still being overworked and their bosses act as if we are living in a pre-pandemic world. Ignoring the effects of Covid-19 will not eliminate them. We have to acknowledge the struggles it has created and bear in mind that it is nobody’s fault that it is here (well at least it’s not your team’s fault).
If you are a leader in your organisation, may I suggest that you keep the following in mind:
1. People are doing the best they can. There are always exceptions to the rule but it is irresponsible to presume that now that vaccines are here that life has returned to normal. It has not. We still have to wear masks everywhere. Daycares/camps are closed. We can’t go to the beach at will. Restaurants have only recently reopened, and curbside only. Certain sectors still remain closed. People are having to balance so much while ensuring that they get their regular work done. You may not be experiencing their trials, but part of being a good leader is having the emotional intelligence to recognize the struggles being faced by your staff and the potential effects. Be conscious of that. Ensure that the work gets done, but no need to badger people – it is a different playing field now.
2. You have a responsibility to ensure that your team is OK. Managers and leaders sometimes forget the crucial role that they have of coaching and mentoring their staff. Even if it isn’t directly done, leaders must have insight into what their staff responds to and what gets them to work well. Every employee is different so you have to adjust your style to suit each person. Yes it is a lot of work but it is your job to guide and groom them too. Of course meeting targets is very important, but pushing people to the edge without acknowledging that things are difficult right now is tone deaf and can inadvertently slow employees down even more. Try to be mindful.
3. We won’t be back to normal for a while. It is what it is. Acting as if we are is misplaced to say the least. We are all over talking about the pandemic, dealing with the pandemic, experiencing the effects of the pandemic. However this doesn’t change the fact that entire families have been claimed by this virus before our eyes. At this point most of us personally know at least one person who has had Covid or succumbed to it. The long list of restrictions is what we deal with on a daily basis. So again, while targets are very important, we need to be mindful of these external factors that will directly affect your team’s performance. Communication remains crucial. Talk to the team and let them know you understand. Reiterate what needs to be done yes, but acknowledge their efforts and they will produce.
What a time to be alive. Leading a team during this pandemic has definitely been a learning experience. Hoping the above suggestions serve as a reminder that we have to lead with a heightened level of emotional intelligence to ensure that we get the most out of employees during this crisis.
Cheers to a great week ahead.
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