For Immediate Release:
Dateline: Stony Brook,
NY
Thursday, April 2, 2020
 A crisis by definition involves an abnormal state. So let’s be clear: the coronavirus pandemic has not ushered in a “new normal” but an abnormal social and economic dislocation unlike anything in memory. To be effective in battling this existential threat to life and economic wellbeing, organizational leaders need a playbook that prioritizes speed, flexibility and adaptability in managing uncertainty.Here are three people priority focus areas for leading effectively in the ‘new abnormal.’FOCUS AREA 1. PROTECT AND PRESERVEThe prime imperative for organizational leaders now is to protect their people in any way they can responsibly do so. When basic safety measures are in place and preserved, employees (and other stakeholders) can better manage immediate and longer-term uncertainty. Consequently, they are better able to comply with important directives, adapt to radically different work and living conditions, and continue to be productive while sheltering in place.Organizational leaders should:- Convey that they are in charge and taking action
- Acknowledge people’s emotions and fears
- Show compassion in word and deed
- Prepare for multiple personnel scenarios as well as mitigation steps
- Share in any sacrifice that impacts employees or other key constituencies
- Explain the rationale behind tough or painful decisions
FOCUS AREA 2. COMMUNICATE FREQUENTLY The coronavirus pandemic presents evolving challenges on a daily basis. Government directives, family responsibilities, work requirements and situations are in rapid flux. Employees crave reliable, current information so that they can maintain some semblance of control and safety over their environment and loved ones. Remember that in stressful situations people often have difficulty retaining information accurately and fully.Organizational leaders should:- Tell the truth to the extent that they can appropriately disclose information
- Be clear and to the point
- Focus on key messages and repeat them often
- Stay fact-based; avoid speculation
- Use short sentences, bullets and checklists
- Acknowledge “known unknowns” to show that they are aware of them
- Coordinate messaging across senior management for consistency
FOCUS AREA 3. PROMOTE ADAPTABILITY The American philosopher and psychologist William James observed, “Great emergencies and crises show us how much greater our vital resources are than we had supposed.” Motivating people to take practical, positive action to advance a shared goal fosters individual and collective resilience.Organizational leaders should:- Model behaviors and attitudes that help employees regain a sense of control and purpose
- Encourage creative problem-solving to address real-time business needs and operations
- Use technology to maintain community and remote engagement with employees and other stakeholders
- Promote flexible work arrangements to accommodate stay-at-home disruptions
- Share stress management activities and resources
In summary, the COVID-19 crisis will undoubtedly transform our world and society in ways that cannot yet be predicted or identified. For now, organizational leaders can succeed in navigating this ‘new abnormal’ by consistently showing that they are competent, trustworthy and responsible.Copyright © 2020, Susan Battley. All rights reserved.
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