How to Inspire Your Team From Afar During a Pandemic

I’m pretty sure anyone—whether they live in New York, once lived in New York, simply love New York, or even hate New York—would agree that Governor Andrew Cuomo has set a fantastic example of how to manage a team, or in his case, an entire state. Every day during his press briefing, you can count on him to share the news, facts first, and somehow lift your spirits enough to help you face another day of this crisis. There’s something about his tone, the cadence of his speech, and the sincerity of his message that makes you want to jump in to help New York thrive.

This type of genuine communication is vital for managing your team from a distance. Under the present circumstances, there is no better way to inspire loyalty, hard work, and surprise contributions than an authentic conversation with a dash of kindness. 

After more than a month of sheltering-in-place on the West Coast, with teams all over the country working hard to keep our infrastructure and supply chain running, I've developed a few insights into this new hyper-communication technique. Ultimately, it relies on the belief that we can get through anything together. (Related: Coronavirus Realities: 3 Essential Work-From-Home Tools for Setting Your Team Up for Success) 

Here are three ways to emotionally support your team when you can’t physically be there for them.

1. Show (don’t just tell) your team that you care and are truly in it together.

My passion is to help people get healthier, first by replacing sugary and artificially sweetened drinks with our unsweetened, fruit-flavored water. Then, we expanded into reef-safe sunscreens and aluminum-free deodorant. But no matter what we do, it’s about delivering better-for-you products without compromising on efficacy or enjoyment. I love that my team shares my passion. (Related: Hint Deodorant is Finally Here: Why We Keep Breaking The Rules of What a “Beverage” Company Can Do)

Along with my team, I’ve been doing local store check-ins here in Marin County. After all, if my employees are on the front line, I want to be right there with them. It's essential that they know we're in it together by my words and my actions. It's also crucial to empathetic. People might be feeling lonely and overwhelmed; friends, and family may be sick or experiencing hardship.

When structure disappears, whether it's the physical office or a regular schedule, you must remain flexible. Remind staff that working remotely is different from working remotely during a global pandemic, and their health and safety is the priority. If a teammate has to juggle homeschooling kids and putting in a day’s work, let them know that they can divide up their day in the way that they see fit. Just make sure that you spell out your expectations clearly and continuously. You want to help people set boundaries, so they don't feel like they're working 24/7. 

2. Hammer home your company’s essential purpose as the “why” is what keeps everyone going.

In uncertain times, when we are all separated and somewhat isolated, it’s important to emphasize the company’s core values to the team—and bond around them. But don’t ignore the reality of the situation: Talk to the different departments about more than just work. Since we’re a health-driven company, I always check in to make that sure everyone is taking care of themselves and their families.

To respond to rapidly changing business needs, we’re pivoting people from one department to another, which requires continuous communication. But it all works because everyone understands the goal. We’re all in it together. 

3. Lead by listening with compassion to ideas and suggestions.

As an entrepreneur, you talk a lot. I'm always telling people about my business, sharing ideas with my team, and outlining business plans to the board and investors. But it’s just as important to hear voices other than your own. In times like these, when we’re dealing with new and unchartered waters, I must listen to my team. Looking at a problem through more than one lens helps you come up with an informed solution. The challenge is tackled, the team feels involved, and the goal is transparent to everyone.  

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Kara Goldin is the founder and CEO of San Francisco–based Hint, a healthy lifestyle brand known for its delicious unsweetened flavored water. Since launching in 2005, Hint has introduced an oxybenzone- and paraben-free sunscreen collection using its signature fruit essences, and most recently, a plant-based, aluminum-free eucalyptus + lemon deodorant. Kara produces and hosts her own podcast, Unstoppable with Kara Goldin, where she interviews founders, entrepreneurs, and disruptors across various industries. Keep up with her on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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