Managing Emotions and Maintaining Influence During Challenging Times An Authentic Leadership Guide for Leaders (7 of 7)

7. Strengthening your Team “Unity” through Building Community

If you have made your way through the previous 6 steps (articles) on how, as a leader, you can manage your emotions in a way that allows you to maintain your influence, then congratulations. You are a unique and much-needed leader in these current times.?

Many leaders will want to run ahead, find solutions and try to solve the problems they see their teams facing without first diving into the hardest part of leadership…and this is leading themselves. You cannot lead others effectively if you are out of control with your own emotions and allow them to steal your influence.

But, if you have taken the actions from the previous steps, you are ready for this final step, probably the most important step for your team. And that is creating community.?

There are many things to consider when it comes to challenging times and how to respond, and while being self-aware and controlling your own response is vital for you as a leader and sets an example for your team, creating a space for your team's "community" is critical for their processing and recovery if you will.?

When challenges or crises happen, each individual may respond differently, which means there will be no, one clear way that works for everyone. Because of this, it is important for you as a leader, to create a space where people can feel safe, valued and heard.?

In a shared space or community, there are many benefits that can help people regain their footing, emotionally and physically, and emerge from the challenge stronger and more resilient.

?In Community, you have:

• Additional Resources - Whether it's different perspectives or different strengths, skills or talents, there is typically more solutions for helping individuals when you draw on the collective experience and talents of your team. You don’t have to be the solution generator, you just need to create a space for this to happen.
• Long-term Support - As a leader, you may not have the time to walk each individual all the way through their path to returning to normal after challenges, but in a community, there can be a built-in support system that continues to work with each individual on your team until they recover. This can help alleviate the pressure on you to do it all for everyone.
• Team Connection - Connection to others can provide much-needed stability and a sense of unity in times of uncertainty. We often assume that we are all “connected” at work because we are all working together on the same or similar projects, but true connection comes from people trusting each other and allowing each other to influence their lives. This connection has proven to be a key in disaster recovery and I believe it can play just as important role in our business teams as well.?

How to Do It:?

• Encourage open discussions and provide space for team members to share how they’re feeling.?
• Have Virtual check-ins, team-building exercises, or simply a few moments for open sharing in meetings can help create a safe space for connection.
• Get training on “Active Listening” and understanding personality styles so you can speak directly to each individual.
• Try this at your next meeting: “What’s one thing you’ve found helpful or uplifting recently?” This invites positive sharing and fosters a support system within your team.

Some people will recover from challenges and crisis situations faster than others, be careful not to rush through this process, but also don’t allow people to stagnate in the process either. Keep listening to not just what they say, but the emotions behind what they say and you will better understand when they have regained their footing. Stay the course and you will emerge from each challenge with Post Challenge Strength and a new sense of confidence that will lead your teams into the high-performance, connected teams we all desire to be a part of.

One Final Thought: Challenging times test our leadership, but they also reveal our strengths. By you, as the leader, managing your emotions and remaining authentic, grounded, and purpose-driven, you can navigate difficulties while inspiring resilience and unity in those you lead.

Remember: The way we lead ourselves is ultimately reflected in how we lead others.