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With recommended social distancing extended another month, and in many states 2-3 months, the reality of navigating through the COVID-19 crisis feels more impactful than ever. Especially for business owners and managers. We know, like us, that everyone is feeling the impact – and it is hard to know when, or if, it will be “normal” again. But it is important that, as leaders, we exhibit stability and commitment to our staff and community. We need to lead our employees, company, and industry through the crisis, and beyond. Read below for the 3 tips that will help you compassionately lead your company through the COVID-19 crisis:
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Begin operating at 200% accountability
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Joseph Grenny wrote a great article that projected a timeline for COVID-19 for businesses. Within it, he outlines key factors that can help businesses not only survive this current pandemic/crisis but be better prepared for the next one. Our favorite point he brings up is the fact that companies have to operate at 200% accountability moving forward. This does not just mean accountability for the work itself. More so, it means accountability of one’s own actions, as it pertains to public health and the actions of teammates. This will be particularly important once businesses are able to return to a physical location to begin working. As Grenny says “Successful businesses will develop social protocols suited to the new mood. They will rigorously practice social distancing and hygiene habits… And none of this will succeed without a culture of 200% accountability. 200% accountability means that not only is each employee 100% accountable for following the standard, they are also 100% accountable for enforcing the standard with everyone around them.”
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Utilize digital tools
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Many of us have always used some digital business tools, but in the past month have had to start learning and utilizing even more. As we’ve talked about before, utilizing these tools can help motivate employees and create the sense of a more “normal” work environment for everyone. But, the use of them should go beyond that. Think about which digital tools that you’ll continue to use once you are able to go back to an office space. And set standards, protocols, and best practices for your teams. Make it clear to your team that these tools are not going away. This will help everyone become more comfortable and create more accountability for utilizing and mastering them. It is also important to encourage your team to know when not to use digital tools and connections. For instance: let them know that outside of working hours, they shouldn’t be checking in. Especially when most businesses are operating in a work-from-home environment. The best way you can do this, is by leading by example.
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Support your team emotionally
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One of the best tools you can utilize for employee retention is showing them they are valued, and that you care (as a boss and manager). During this pandemic, the bottom line is this: you have to look for new ways to show you care. Make it a priority to have your entire company not just talk about work. Let everyone share how they are feeling, how their families are faring, their fears and concerns, etc. You can even look into providing some services to your employees to support them more than usual. Whether it is virtual therapy, free memberships to livestream fitness and yoga classes, or a mandatory meditation break throughout the day, you have many options that you can choose from to help address the emotional side of your employees. Overall, being compassionate, understanding, and forgiving will be the most impactful thing you can provide your team. Chances are many of them are the “strong” ones for their families – allow them the freedom to not have to be 100% put together at work.
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Overall, as the above tips illustrate, you need to be adaptive to successfully navigate this pandemic. The basic principles that will get you through are what you’ve already been doing (as a successful business). The challenge for us is this: navigating how to be there for and support employees in a digital, uncertain environment. With forethought on how to successfully transition back into an office setting. We know it can be overwhelming – but look at it as huge opportunity. You now have the chance to reinvent some key aspects of your company and culture. And you can do it in a way that will better prepare you and your entire team for any future national and global crisis that might occur.
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Interested in learning more about [INSERT THE MAIN FOCUS OR GOAL OF THE BLOG POST]? Contact our team at Kim@QuantumMark.com today!
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