Leading Your Team Through Tough Times

As a Father, I struggled to write this article after the tragic events that took place at Covenant School in Nashville, TN last week. It was the 130th mass shooting this year. A year in which 74 people have been killed or injured by guns at US schools already. Then as a Black American, I was immediately pulled back in on the subject once the Tennessee House expelled two Black lawmakers for supporting gun reform. However, the House didn’t expel their White peer for doing the same thing. So I’m getting hit at both ends, and I’m supposed to carry on like all is well?

(Spoiler Alert: This is not political commentary. I’ll leave that to people a lot smarter than myself)

We should never get used to racism, sexism, or any form of exclusion. But how do I not become numb when things like this happen so often? It's a question that's not easily answered, especially when you consider situations beyond mass shootings. It highlights our unhealthy mix of hate crimes, political unrest, economic downturns, and natural disasters that impact individuals and communities. The complexity of this question is even more apparent when you’re responsible for a family or a team.

Leaders at work face a delicate balancing act when responding to tragedies such as mass shootings and hate crimes. You may be in shock, yet we also have a responsibility to keep our teams productive and on track. Failing to acknowledge the impact of these events on our employees can lead to job dissatisfaction and high turnover, sending the message that we don't care about our people. However, caring too much could also lead to burnout and exhaustion if we do not have the tools or outlets to help exercise those feelings. It's especially tough for employees who feel a deep connection to these events, as they may struggle to separate from their emotions. And on the other end of the spectrum, there’s the risk of becoming emotionally numb or detached from the world, our teams, and reality.?

To put it simply, “you can’t win for losing”.

I wish I had a magic answer, but until that solution is found, I suggest leaders consider their approach through three different lenses: first as an individual, then as a team member, and finally, as an leader. I hope these ideas help you and your teams stay productive, while also remaining empathetic and engaged with the world without becoming emotionally overwhelmed or numb.

As An Individual:

1. Set Boundaries: While it's important to stay informed about what's happening in the world, it's equally important to recognize when you need to take a break. Set boundaries for yourself around how much news you consume each day, and consider taking a break from social media or other sources of information that may be triggering.

2. Maintain Connection: Humans are not built to manage tough times alone. The best thing you can do for yourself is connect with others. Something like checking in with your chosen family or friends can be powerful. And it is just as important for them as it is for you.?

3. Practice Self-Care: Prioritize your own mental health by practicing self-care and gratitude. This may include exercise, meditation, or taking time each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for, both at work and in your personal life.

As a Team Member:

1. Identify Impact of Your Work: When tragedy strikes, your team could feel lost and may question, “What’s the point of it all?” Something you can do as a leader is help them draw connections between your work and the impact needed in this world. This reminds them of the purpose and meaning behind them showing up day to day.

2. Be of Service: Something that always helps me regulate despite consistently hard world events is engaging in service to others. A team volunteer activity will do wonders toward improving your team’s morale and engagement.?

3. Cultivate Resilience: Building resilience can help your team bounce back from tough situations, especially when the world around you is uncertain. This may involve training on coping strategies, developing belief in your sense of self-efficacy, or framing a stressful situation as a challenge and opportunity to grow, which can increase your feelings of control over a situation.

As a Leader:

1. Maintain Perspective: Remember that you are one person, and while you may not be able to solve all the world's problems, you can still make a difference in your own way. Remind your team and yourself that change often happens slowly over time.

2. Seek Support: Leaders don’t tackle issues alone so your team response doesn’t have to be made alone. Consult with those you trust like peers, direct reports, or mentors. Seek diverse perspectives to help you formulate a balanced reaction and response.

3. Prioritize Your Work: Focus on the tasks and projects that are most important to you and your team. Remove extraneous initiatives from your agenda. Simplify your plate and focus on what can uplift you in that moment.

Unfortunately, there will always be events outside of our control in the world around us; there will always be tragedies and tough situations we have to contend with as humans — both personally and collectively — and that will likely bleed into how we show up at work. Instead of trying to ignore this, as leaders we have an opportunity to acknowledge these hard moments and hold space — for our team members and for ourselves — to still show up at work and in the world with intention and care. I hope the tips I’ve shared help you do just that.