COVID-19 has taken a toll on everyone with the social distancing and increased safety measures that are in place. Sure, this is for everyone’s well-being, but to put it lightly, it’s exhausting. So, how do you lead when you and the team are exhausted?
The answer is not simple, and it takes some work on your part to make it happen. But, it can be done! First, you must understand that we’re past the first wave of the pandemic. A few vaccines are currently in circulation, and more are on the horizon. This helped to re-energize the masses, but now that we’re moving into the second wave, leaders need to review both themselves and their team’s personal resilience.
Now, let’s discuss a few things to keep in mind as we keep moving through these unprecedented times.
Differentiate Between Importance and Urgency
While this may seem like an obvious suggestion, you’d never believe how many entire organizations ignore this simple concept. As a leader, it’s important to set a good example by not being so short-sighted that non-urgent tasks are simply pushed to the side.
In other words, take inventory of every task that needs completing. Creating a list will help prioritize accordingly. Just remember that to keep your team energized, it’s vital to let them have a short break but not completely ignore tasks that aren’t urgent.
Balance Containment and Compassion
Humans need motivation to act. Action requires containment and compassion.
To achieve a good balance, it’s important to listen to your employees and even sympathize with them sometimes. So, don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know something or even a personal insecurity. This helps you show compassion and connect with them on a deeper level.
At the same time, you don’t want your team to become helpless without a “pat on the back.” So, containment refers to not overdoing it with compassion.
Energize Daily
Most importantly, don’t forget to energize everyone daily. When the going gets tough, simply say things to your team such as “we’ll get through this together” or “we’re always here for each other.” You can also do things such as create competitions, share success stories, and most importantly, communicate with each other.
Practicing these principles will help you overcome exhaustion and promote a positive culture in the workplace. For further reading, check out this article by Harvard Business Review.
