Leading During a Pandemic- 5 Simple Strategies

Things are weird. We're in a global communal amygdala high-jacking. The amygdala (part of the brain involved in experiencing emotions) which triggers our fight, flight or freeze response is in full swing! Conversely, our poor prefrontal cortex - the part of the brain that supports our rational thought- is getting nowhere near enough oxygen and blood to help de-esclate and calm our emotional responses.

What do we as leaders do?

We SHOW UP.

We SLOW DOWN.

We GET CURIOUS.

We ASK QUESTIONS.

We LISTEN.

This isn't complicated work. I promise! A few simple steps and you'll be well on your way to the kind of compassionate leadership that is SO needed right now. I have EVERY CONFIDENCE that you can implement these quickly and with ease:

(1) BE CLEAR-

Share what you know to be true, in no uncertain terms, clearly and succinctly. This is not the time for wishy washy communication that is dripping with "maybes" and uncertainty. You might want to consider clear communication in regards to the business’ health or your work from home expectations around children popping up on screen (in case it isn’t obvious- it should be that “It’s OK!”

Why is this important? When things are uncertain and messy- humans are looking for anything that is clear and certain.

(2) BE KIND-

Send a letter in the mail. A small gift of gratitude. Kindness doesn’t have to be extravagant or overly expensive. Simple gestures of this kind are meaningful. And they communicate - "We know things are weird- we're thinking about you. And we care." Kindness goes a long way. It's hard to be stressed and grateful at the same time.

Why is this important? I mean- really. This one’s pretty obvious! Kindness matters.

(3) BE AWARE-

Everyone has it rough in some way, shape or form. Step outside of the business needs and consider what your team may be going through. Some are struggling to balance working full time AND sudden homeschooling expectations. Some are struggling with parents in hospice whom they can’t visit. Some are missing their CrossFit families and volunteer opportunities. And ALL are struggling and exhausted. An unexpected 4 day weekend, a weekly “take care of you” hour, a shared article on Covid grief or a shared EFAP resource all say something.   

Why does this matter? These behaviours communicate to the team that leadership is AWARE of what is happening for us as humans. It’s part of the “social awareness” quadrant of emotional intelligence. It means- we matter.

(4) BE AVAILABLE-

Have you noticed how many of us are a bit 'needier' these days? Prolonged isolation disrupts our human need for connection and increases the potential for loneliness. It's no wonder we may be looking for more support, communication, and availability from our leaders during these uncertain times. Make sure to respond in a timely manner, reach out and check in more than usual, and be brave enough to implement regular opportunities to ask “how are you doing?”

Why does this matter? Self Isolation and the loneliness that may accompany it may lead to negative consequences such as poor cognitive performance and impaired executive control and self regulation. Availability and creating moments for connection combats that loneliness.

(5) BE CURIOUS-

Underlying the previous 4 steps is a fundamental desire to remain curious. There's never been a more important time to support our employees in understanding and processing what's happening for them. They, like us, are in an uncomfortable position of needing to manage this continued emotional high-jacking while still being expected to function, strategize, make decisions, be innovative, and solve the right problems! Ask lots of questions. Listen hard. Slow down.

Why does this matter? Labeling our feelings (called “labelling the affect” in neuro-psychology) can reduce their intensity and calm that amygdala - allowing the prefrontal cortex to be reengaged. Be curious by asking good questions = supporting people to better understand their own challenges = calming of the fight or flight response.

There you have it. 5 strategies that you can implement right away.

Things are weird. Your leadership (and therefore own self care) is more important than ever. Be more human than you’ve ever been. Compassionate and kind leadership is a Covid-19 requisite.