Creating Team Focus in the Midst of Big Events

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Things happen regularly that can shift or steal the focus of individuals, but there are a whole range of big events that can negatively impact team focus. It could be an internal change, a merger, a challenge for a teammate. But it could also be a major sporting event, storm, or news story. Whatever the big event might be, leaders must wrestle with that news for the focus and attention of the team.? Creating or retaining team focus during these circumstances can be difficult. Here are four steps you can take to win team focus.

Acknowledge the Event

While the nature of the events will be different – your city’s favorite team preparing for the big game is different than news of a merger or a major political event – they are the same in that they capture people’s attention and focus. Acting like they aren’t happening and ignoring their existence isn’t a good approach.

If there is an elephant in the room but you don’t talk about it, the elephant is still there. Regardless of the nature of the big distractor, it is better to acknowledge its presence. Not talking about it doesn’t make you look like you are in control, it makes you look out-of-touch.

Allow Time to Process

The best way to restore team focus is to give people time to process the event.

If it is a big game, let people talk about it, and after the win, celebrate it.

If it is a personal situation of someone on the team, talk about how they can support and help.

If it is a merger, let people ask questions, grieve, and think about the implications.

If it is a major political event, let people discuss their views. While this one might feel risky, let people know it is ok to discuss their concerns, but encourage them to remain civil and respectful.?

When we have the chance to “think out loud” about an issue or situation, it makes it easier for us to let go of it. If people are discouraged from talking about events, or told to “get back to work,” bodies might return to work but hearts and minds might not.

Ask the Important Question

The circle of influence is important to consider in these situations. The wide variety of “big events” I’m talking about are mostly outside of the team’s control and influence. We are in a healthier mental state when we determine what we can and can’t do about the situation. After individuals or the group have had a chance to process the event(s), ask the question “What can we do now to best serve the situation?”

The answers will vary drastically based on the event, but whatever the event, the key to helping us move forward (individually and collectively) is to be clear on what we can do, if anything, in the face of the situation. If we determine things can be done, help the team implement those plans. If it is determined there is nothing that can change the situation, help people mentally let go.

Create a Mental Reset

Understanding and agreement about what can (or can’t) be done in the face of the big event is the first step to a mental reset. Processing the “What can we do now?” question allows people to take a mental deep breath. After that pause and realization, people can more easily and reliably refocus their energy and thinking back to their work. That reset helps with short term productivity, which is likely why you read this article.??

But helping the team through the steps above provides more than a short-term productivity boost. It helps improve team relationships, mental health and builds their trust in you – because your actions helped the team move through the big event they faced together.

A version of this article was first posted on our blog.

What Do You Think?

Share your thoughts in the comments – How could these steps help you or your team?

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