Lately, it seems that there are so many things that are out of our control. Supply chain issues, team member illnesses, and changing regulations, to name a few. If you’re a leader, and you’re not sure where to start to help your team and your organization through these tough times, here’s what I’d suggest: Start with kindness.
That’s our Kind Leadership focus for this week! Because when times are tough, and many things feel (and are!) “out of your control”, the one thing that you can control is acting, reacting and leading with kindness.
Here’s a few suggestions about how to do that:
1. “Check in” with people frequently so that you see them, and they see you! In uncertain times, it’s comforting to see our leaders!
2. Remind people that there are many things that are out of everyone’s control right now and that you know they are doing their best.
3. Listen carefully to people and acknowledge their feelings. Even if you can’t control what’s happening, you can be a sounding board and shoulder to lean on,
4. Do the best that you can to help your team-members prioritize their work. Let them know what to stop doing, as well as what to keep doing!
5. Be kind to yourself. Take a break when you need it. Explain to others that you feel frustrated too. Modeling being kind to yourself helps those you lead learn to be kind to themselves, as well!
No one - and no leader - knows what to do all the time. But they do know that when times are tough, the first thing that leaders need to be is even kinder.