Business as Unusual

As we all continue to push through the abnormal way we're all living, I could not be more proud of the work my team is doing. I wanted to share a note I sent to them today to outline the leadership framework that has been working for me. I know these tips won't work for everyone - we're all working through this differently - but I wanted to share in hopes they strike a chord.

Team, thank you again for another strong week. This crisis continues to test our fortitude in a myriad of ways - expected and unexpected. Thank you for showing up as leaders, supporting one another in times of need, and continuing to deliver as a team for our company, customers, and society as a whole. I know this is demanding so much from each of us, and you all continue to demonstrate your resilience as we go through this extraordinary time.

From a leadership standpoint, we’ve been called upon to handle a situation many of us have not been prepared for. This time requires us to learn and adapt on the fly. Over the past few weeks, I have often been asked what has changed about my leadership style. While in some ways my approach may not have changed significantly, I find that under these circumstances it’s important to adapt. Here’s what is working for me– my framework that I’ve been following to help guide me:

1) Make decisions faster without losing track of the big picture

• Be nimble but focused

2) Actively define reality while avoiding getting stuck in permanent ‘crisis mode’

• Avoid burning out by tailoring responses to the circumstance

3) More regular, intentional and fully transparent communication

• Over communicate – decisions, focus and shifting priorities
• Remote meetings require more clarity and conscientiousness than usual
• Frequent connection, both individually and as a team

4) Purposefully spending time planning the post-crisis

• Organize the plan for what’s next is as important as the day to day right now
• Identify new opportunities that might present themselves, as an outcome of this situation

5) Be as flexible, empathetic, patient as possible

• Your role in helping drive the culture of the team is more important than ever

I hope this is helpful as we all continue to learn and adapt during this time. Bear in mind that we’re all different, with our own styles and approaches, so this is not intended as the way you “must” operate. What works for me, may not work for you.

As we evolve, for the better, in unanticipated ways, we will continue to grow and build our culture. Though we are far apart, we’ve all become a little closer. As we go through this unprecedented experience - we really are “in this together”, in so many ways, seemingly overnight. I’m so immensely proud of how we have continually shown up. Let’s make sure we capitalize on everything you’ve done to date, to maintain our progress in these strange and tough times.

Again, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you are doing. We will get through this together - soon.

Be well, stay safe.