"Showing up" for your people sure looks different than it did two months ago, but showing up in a crisis can define your leadership

Showing up for your people, means showing up period—being present, listening, responding, and showing you care. These are the acts that show you are a member of your employees’ tribe and worthy of their trust.

Some leaders hit this out of the park—getting it right day in and day out. They go where their people go, engaging, listening, and learning. And they invest in high-quality, one-on-one face time with lots of people throughout their organization.

None of this is difficult to do, but it does take discipline and time even under the best of circumstances—like, say, when we’re not all (a) newly assigned full-time remote workers—and (b) concerned about a global pandemic.

But the fact is that this is the new normal. Many leaders are now responsible for teams of newly assigned full-time remote workers—who are very concerned about the risk of coronavirus. Which means that showing up as a leader now is more important than ever.

Most leaders we know are working hard to rise to the occasion. They’re facilitating virtual town hall meetings, office hours, and team “happy hours.” And they’re checking in with their folks one-on-one. If you’re a leader doing the same, then kudos to you.

If you’re a leader finding your way in this uncharted territory, remember—it’s about being present (though not f2f), listening, responding, and showing you care. And one-on-one check-ins may be particularly valuable.

Ask questions and listen; be sure your folks feel heard, understood and supported—in whatever way is important to them. A few questions you might ask (in addition to opening with a simple and genuine, “How are you?”):

§ What questions or concerns are weighing heavily on your mind?

§ What other information do you need that you don’t currently have?

§ Do you feel connected to your colleagues—and the company? Is there anything that I can do to help facilitate or support those connections?

§ Considering technology, equipment, and supplies: How well equipped are you to work, and work safely, right now? What’s your single most-important need or request?

§ With regard to our team working remotely, what’s the most important thing I should know, but probably don’t?

§ What else can I do for you?

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