When the going gets tough

I was in brief hiatus and have returned refreshed. This particular post is disconnected from the previous series though. In last few days, I have seen few projects going through stressful times and that makes me publish this post. There is difference in working hard and working stressful. Work hard, very hard but not stressful.

Here are few tips. I am sure there are more, these are just the basic ones, generic enough to be implemented across any line of business. 

1. Constant communication: Communication is two ways, don’t forget that. In stressful times, listen to people, a lot more than you would otherwise do. Guide them if they have wrong notions about something (or someone). Else, simply listening, nodding, empathizing will also do them good. Show them what is the importance of what they are working on (genuinely, sincerely, constantly) . Show them Optimism. What will be the end goal of all the hard work they are putting in. Listen. Listen. Talk. Listen. 
2. Build Trust: Let them feel their leader is equally involved. The team is not the leader’s tool to make himself great in the eyes of management. The moment they feel, the leader is just there to have his own agenda, the team will not stay loyal to him, and their work will reflect that. 
3. Recognize, Award and Encourage: In stressful times, appreciation becomes the key. Make sure good work is recognized, encouraged & motivation is refueled. 
4. Exhibit enthusiasm towards the purpose: The leader should be full of energy towards the team, towards the purpose the team is working so hard on. If the leader is with slouched shoulders, and with the same complaints as his team, he should stop being the leader. 
5. Empower the group: In stressful times, give them more power. Take your team’s side and defend their point for all the other stake holders. Don't indulge in every small decision they are taking - however 'know' each one of those. In tough situations you don't want to have bigger issues flowing in. Maintain a balance, I would like to say if there is a tilt in favor of the team. 
6. Be extra sensitive about the team mood: If there is something they are really frustrated at, check the mood before you tell them that something more is being piled up. In stressful time it becomes a leader's job to understand the time when bad news has to be delivered. If the timing is bad, it can really hit back in the face. 
7. Cut the bureaucracy: Create short cuts for your team. Not on quality or processes - but for bureaucratic issues - like approving working from home for some days, ordering a new software or a bigger monitor, change of place, or dinner vouchers etc. Just make their life easier.

And yes, tons of pizzas and occasional beers do help.