How can you ensure that your team is effective under pressure?

1 Communicate clearly

Communication is key to any successful team, especially under pressure. You need to communicate your expectations, instructions, feedback, and support to your team members, and also listen to their concerns, questions, and suggestions. Use clear, concise, and respectful language, and avoid jargon, ambiguity, and criticism. Use different modes of communication, such as verbal, written, and visual, depending on the situation and the preference of your team. Check for understanding and confirmation, and repeat or clarify if needed.

2 Prioritize and delegate

When you have multiple tasks and demands, you need to prioritize and delegate effectively. Identify the most urgent and important tasks, and assign them to the most suitable team members, based on their skills, availability, and preferences. Give clear and specific instructions, and set realistic deadlines and goals. Monitor the progress and quality of the work, and provide feedback and assistance if needed. Recognize and appreciate the efforts and achievements of your team, and celebrate the successes.

3 Manage your emotions

Working under pressure can trigger strong emotions, such as anxiety, anger, frustration, or fear. These emotions can affect your performance, decision-making, and relationships with your team. You need to manage your emotions and cope with stress in healthy ways. Recognize and acknowledge your feelings, and express them appropriately. Use positive self-talk, breathing techniques, relaxation exercises, or other coping strategies to calm yourself down. Seek support from your colleagues, friends, family, or professionals if you feel overwhelmed.

4 Learn and improve

Every challenging situation is an opportunity to learn and improve your skills and knowledge. You need to reflect on your actions and outcomes, and identify what went well and what can be improved. Ask for and accept feedback from your team members, supervisors, and patients, and use it to enhance your performance. Share your experiences and insights with your team, and learn from theirs. Seek opportunities to update your training, education, and certification, and apply new knowledge and best practices to your work.

5 Build trust and rapport

A strong and cohesive team is more likely to perform well under pressure than a fragmented and conflicted one. You need to build trust and rapport with your team members, and foster a positive and supportive work environment. Respect the diversity, values, and opinions of your team, and avoid making assumptions or judgments. Encourage collaboration, cooperation, and mutual assistance among your team, and avoid competition, blame, or isolation. Show empathy, compassion, and appreciation for your team, and have fun together.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?