2020 will go down in history as an unprecedented challenge for so many reasons. Within our businesses, it might be best remembered as a year of isolation, stress, uncertainty, and a constant need to keep reinventing what we do and how we do it.
If the past several months have left you and your team feeling tired, you’re not alone. The volatility caused by the pandemic and the on-again, off-again restrictions designed to curb its spread have contributed to unparalleled hardships. 70% of American workers say they have never been more stressed in their careers, with a full 75% saying they’re burned out from the rigors of uncertainty and survival.
While the vaccine might offer a light at the end of the tunnel, this pandemic isn’t going to end overnight, and the long-term economic impact could stretch on for months or even years after the last eligible American gets their jab. Until then, leaders and organizations will need to step up to create systems and safe spaces to keep the team mentally well, understanding that investing in your team is the best way to invest in the future.
Soft skills, more commonly known simply as ‘people skills’, are more important than ever. While logical, ration-based thinking can get us through tough times and tight budgets, incorporating a more compassionate attitude will put your team, and your entire company, in a better position day-in and day-out. Those skills may not come naturally to all leaders, but there are some basic steps anyone can take to ensure their interactions with team members right now are honest, caring, and productive, too.
Have A Goal. When you’re checking in with a team member who may be struggling, or if you’re just making an effort to reach out, have a goal for every conversation. Before you pick up the phone, hop on the Zoom call, or meet up, take even sixty seconds to determine what outcome you’d like from what is about to take place. Think of it as determining what you want to learn or what you want to convey.
Make A Plan. When you have a goal, you can create a road map to get there. Imagine what the conversation will sound like and think of the right words to positively and supportively convey that message. Remember, language plays a huge role in how conversations might be perceived; words that have accusatory, disappointed, or confrontational connotations could cause either party to freeze, fear, or become defensive. Asking questions is often a good way to learn more and put your interlocutor in a position to explain their actions and, just as importantly right now, their emotions.
Listen To Everything. It sounds simple, but you need to actually listen. As the team member speaks, notice everything about what they say, their body language, and their demeanor. Don’t jump in; pause, leave dead air, and ask them to elaborate. The first answer isn’t always the full answer; give them their way to present their challenges, their reactions, and what they need to improve, if that’s even necessary. What we say to each other in a few sentences is often just the tip of the iceberg, and the really important stuff is sitting well below the surface.
By making an effort to check in, leaders will be able to take care of individual team members but also notice issues or sentiments that are perhaps more pervasive across teams, departments, or even the entire company. We’ve said it since this pandemic began; if you’ve done your job right, the answers to all problems facing your company are all sitting with you at the office or are logged into your Zoom call.