Whether it’s a natural disaster or a worldwide health concern, your business or organization is bound to face some unexpected issues. It’s not easy to keep your company running smoothly during uncertain times, especially when one crisis after the other dominates headlines. However, as an executive, it’s up to you to ensure workers remain motivated and reassured.
With that in mind, here are people management tips to help you lead your team during uncertain times.
Take Accountability
Since you’re a business executive, at the end of the day, everything comes down to your decisions and actions, meaning you’re not only responsible for your work — you’re responsible for your workers as well. Good leaders need to hold themselves accountable whenever things go awry or when your business faces a crisis and take a bit of credit when things go right.
When your team sees you taking accountability for your actions, they’ll appreciate the gesture and return it. Having this kind of attitude is a great way to help you and your team push through various crises, allowing you to handle each issue without getting into misunderstandings.
Know the Dynamics of Human Behavior
When it comes to managing employees, it’s crucial to know the dynamics of human behavior. You need to understand that not everyone’s the same and expect each employee to display different behaviors and mannerisms. After all, each person goes through various struggles and lives in different environments. So, don’t expect to get the same answers, personalities, and results from employees.
Learning behavioral types and social conditioning can help you understand your team better, allowing you to adjust necessary tasks within their capabilities during uncertain times.
Implement Communication Transparency
After understanding the different behaviors of your employees, there’s no better way to ensure everyone’s working accordingly and smoothly by implementing transparent communication. After all, communication is the key in managing employees and ensuring everything’s in order, creating an atmosphere of trust among the entire office environment and workers. That’s why leaders should set a good example by sharing their plans and milestones with their team.
Plus, implementing transparency regarding the effects of changes in operations and management can help you earn the understanding and support of your employees. Doing this ensures smooth operations during uncertain times, all while maintaining good company morale.
Plan for Different Scenarios Before They Happen
Although you can’t predict the future, you can face different issues by having a plan ready for use, helping you and your team navigate these difficult situations appropriately. You can do this by practicing contingency planning, which consists of plans for economic issues, political climate, and potentially dangerous events like natural disasters and the spread of diseases.
For example, your team should have a list of people to call in case of fire, a medical situation, or even small office emergencies like a busted pipe, boiler problems, or when the HVAC stops working. They should know to contact professionals to repair your office’s air conditioning immediately instead of calling you and asking you to do it.
Enroll in a Leadership Development Program
Although sharpening your people management skills is crucial in running a business during uncertain times, it also pays to be prepared. You can find leadership development programs in business management schools, where trained and skilled professionals will help you practically and theoretically — developing your leadership strengths. Plus, partaking in these programs lets you test and polish your approaches with groups.
You’ll also learn how to handle conflict better, improve your negotiating skills, and sharpen your team-building skills, bringing you to a new level in people management.
Allow More Flexibility
There s been a growing trend among flexible workplace environments and schedules in recent years, with more executives realizing their employees’ worth. This benefit helps workers manage their work-life balance and offers them the support needed during uncertain times. For instance, allowing employees to work at home or giving them time off if they’re not feeling well lets them recover and come back well-rested, resulting in more work accomplished despite facing crises.
Readjust Goals
At times of uncertainty, it’s crucial to understand and accept that you’ll need to adjust or completely change some things. Instead of minimizing your problems beyond your control, take on these challenges by adjusting your company goals. Encourage workers and fellow executives alike to be adaptable and support and guide them in the process.
Additionally, make sure to include adjustments regarding stakeholders, like customers and suppliers, for overall success even during uncertain times.
Leading your team and making adjustments during uncertain times isn’t easy and can take some time. However, by expressing your support across your organization, you and your employees should be able to navigate the hardships during uncertainty.