WOW! The world has gone nuts!
Divisive headlines filled with political fighting, work shifts reshaped by remote and hybrid schedules, and disruptive economic swings, producing anxiety about our future. For many employees, job security seems lost! A sense of unease and uncertainty permeates the work environment, subtly eroding team cohesion, stifling productivity, and ultimately organizational profits.
As leaders, we cannot ignore these pressures. Our teams consist of individuals who, bring their personal anxieties and uncertainties to work each day. Whether they’re commuting to the office or logging in remotely, this is a challenge for our culture.
Significant Opportunity. REBUILD our organizations on a foundation of trust, empathy, and a shared purpose.
The strength of our business culture and the bonds within our teams are not just “nice-to-haves” – they are mission-critical for resilience and success.
The Power of Purpose.
The Power of Purpose. How do we anchor ourselves and our teams in our fundamental purpose? As Simon Sinek reminds us, begin by revisiting our organization’s core values and our overarching mission. Remind our teams why their work matters. Unify them around a sense of purpose.
In today’s climate of uncertainty, foster trust and a level of psychological safety – where individuals feel comfortable being vulnerable, sharing concerns, and even disagreeing constructively. Leaders must actively cultivate an environment where open communication is encouraged and expected, and where empathy underpins every interaction. (P. Lencioni)
Lead with Empathy and Empower.
The shift towards remote and hybrid work has offered flexibility, and it has also interrupted team connectivity. The spontaneous conversations and informal check-ins have become less frequent. This necessitates a more intentional approach to building our culture.
None of us is as smart as all of us together – K. Blanchard)
In a time where many may feel a lack of control over external events, empowering our teams within their roles can be most impactful. Encourage collaboration, offer opportunities for individual growth and team interaction, and recognize all their contributions. This boosts morale and fosters a sense of ownership and shared responsibility.
Team Building needs to be creative and consistent. This might involve virtual social events, online collaborative projects that extend beyond daily tasks, or even dedicated time for informal virtual “coffee breaks.” Prioritize activities that foster connection and understanding on a human level, moving beyond purely task-oriented interactions. Communicate about the state of our business, be transparent (where possible) about challenges, and reinforce the shared vision for the future. Rebuild those vital interpersonal bridges that may have frayed. Create a force.
Living with the current uncertainty and conflict requires a shift in mindset. We cannot pretend that the external challenges don’t exist. As leaders, our “response” to the external “stimuli” of division and uncertainty must be one of deliberate and positive action focused on strengthening our internal foundations and collaboration.