How do you inspire your team in a crisis?

One of the biggest challenges in a crisis is communication. Few managers and even fewer employees get the information they need to navigate a crisis. Often, leaders feel like they need to have a neatly packaged solution before communicating anything, which leaves employees dealing with the crisis of uncertainty. It is much more effective and helps mitigate fear in a crisis if leaders share any relevant information they are able as quickly as possible.

If I could double highlight transparency and honesty in this post, I would. During a crisis, it is imperative that people trust you. Being transparent and honest is one of the most solid ways to build that trust. Showing your human-side matters in moments of crisis. Don't pretend to know something if you don't, don't pretend to be OK if you aren't, etc. Let your team see you in the trenches of being human, but persevering anyway. That will make them feel like not only can they do the same, but that they can fully rely on you if need be in order to get there. Trust builds strength, it builds confidence and it builds us up.

Remind them to breathe - stop and take time to assess the situation, determine what really needs to be done - not get distracted by whatever is swirling. You are a team and with teams everyone steps up - no job is too trivial.

As a leader in a crisis, clear and frequent communication with your team is paramount. Share facts, goals, plans, and expectations, while actively listening to their feedback. Be honest, transparent, and consistent to avoid confusion or false hopes. Communicate with empathy, acknowledging the emotions and stress your team may face. By fostering open dialogue and providing reassurance, you can instill confidence and unity, navigating the crisis together.

Transparency is key to combating the negativity of the rumour mill. Sharing important information promptly with regular updates and a two way communication process help main focus reducing levels of anxiety. Understand concerns and rapidly resolving them where possible. Honesty lets others know where they stand with clarity increasing confidence.

In a crisis, inspiring your team requires showcasing confidence and optimism. Believe in your team's abilities and their potential to overcome challenges. Express optimism about the future, highlighting the opportunity for learning and innovation. Strike a balance between realism and positivity, avoiding overconfidence. By radiating confidence and optimism, you can motivate your team to rise above the crisis and embrace the possibilities it presents.

Having had to go through a redundancy consultation with a team of 12, I had to lead by example in all behaviours. Firstly, show empathy, that you're all in this together, and will work through it, as a team, together. Standing firm, with our heads held high. Understand, that everyone is dealing with this difficulty in their own way, they have their own lives, families, and that each person will have different feelings, but that's why you need to engage, listen and communicate, that they are not alone. The ultimate measure of someone is not where he stands in moments of comfort and success, but where he stands at the times of challenge. The old saying of 'if you're going through hell, keep going!

I have seen leaders roll up sleeves get involved sorting out frontline issues building rapport in times of uncertainty. Leaders demonstrating resilience, humility coupled with strong people skills set the example for others to follow. Celebrate the successes of the team and thank them for their hard work and efforts.

In a crisis, empowering and supporting your team is crucial for inspiration. Delegate tasks, granting autonomy and necessary resources. Provide feedback, coaching, recognition, and encouragement. Celebrate successes, learn from failures, and appreciate your team's efforts. By fostering a culture of trust, empowerment, and support, you enable your team to take action, solve problems, and navigate the crisis with confidence and resilience. Together, you can overcome challenges and achieve success.

Supporting your team is always one of the best ways to inspire them. By expressing your unwavering belief in their abilities, even during challenging times, you ignite a spark of motivation within each team member. This act of encouragement communicates that you wholeheartedly trust their potential to overcome any crisis and find innovative solutions. It fosters an atmosphere where individuals feel valued, confident, and motivated to collaborate, knowing that their contributions hold immense value and can make a real difference. Together, as a team, you can conquer obstacles and create a future brimming with success and triumph.

In a crisis, modeling resilience and adaptability is vital for inspiring your team. Demonstrate your ability to handle stress, uncertainty, and change, showcasing your resilience in the face of setbacks. Adapt to evolving circumstances, being open to new ideas, perspectives, and solutions. Lead by example, inspiring your team to emulate your behavior and attitude. By embodying resilience and adaptability, you instill confidence and encourage your team to navigate the crisis with flexibility and determination. Together, you can overcome challenges and emerge stronger.

In a crisis, fostering collaboration and trust is crucial for inspiring your team. Cultivate a culture of teamwork, where everyone aligns around a shared vision, values, and goals. Encourage support, respect, and assistance among team members. Build trust by being reliable, accountable, and ethical, while also trusting your team to excel. Create a sense of belonging, unity, and solidarity. By promoting collaboration and trust, you create a cohesive and resilient team that can overcome adversity and achieve remarkable outcomes. Together, you can weather the storm and emerge stronger on the other side.

As leaders, we should actually be encouraging our teams to prioritize their health, well-being, and work/life balance long before any work "crises" arise. Team members need to know that their leadership is fully supportive of employees taking care of themselves, particularly from a mental and emotional standpoint. Again, this support should not just be shown during times of crisis or turmoil, it should be engrained in the foundation of any organization. Leaders who figure this out, often have high performing, healthy teams.

You do not know what other stressors people are dealing with. Any given crisis event may be the one that tips an employee over the edge. Be a compassionate communicator, and do not expect everyone else to be as calm and collected under pressure as you may be

This connects with multiple points in the article, especially the idea of communicating clearly and frequently and fostering a culture of trust: it is about being transparent. Letting members of the team know the information on what is exactly happening, background, factors and people involved. Not holding on information but giving people the courtesy and the gift of the truth. Team members feel valued and appreciated when they are let in as insiders into what is happening. It’s a way to show them they are valuable members of the team. That motivates them and inspires them to work closely and collaboratively to solve any problems and navigate through adversity.