"I need you to pack up everything you think you'll need to do your job at home for at least a couple of weeks...monitors, keyboards, etc. Go home, stay safe and I'll check in with you on Monday." ~ Me, to each of my team members on March 13, 2020.
The fear was palpable. I could see it in the eyes of every team member as I spoke to them. As I shared my message, I could also see relief and gratitude on their faces. Relief that someone had made a decision, gratitude that we'd taken a people first approach.
Shortly before that, my manager had gathered team leadership to talk about what we should do. The right thing to do was clear and the vote was unanimous. The team could do their work from home. The safety of the team and their families was our top priority.
Several hours later, executive leadership sent out a message to the 1000+ people working on our project that anyone able to do their job remotely should do so until further notice. Some roles required in person attendance and the fewer people in the building, the better for those folks.
When interfacing with my team, it's important for me to consider internal factors, but also anything they may have shared that's going on at home and things happening in the community at large.
Right now in the US, many people are living in fear. Some communities previously living in fear are feeling it at elevated levels. Other communities are experiencing scary situations they never expected would happen to them. If you are one of the people struggling, please reach out to someone who can support you - a trusted friend, peer, leader, HR partner or professional.
In challenging times, the most important thing you can do for your team is to provide a safe space. Ways I provide a safe space for my team members include:
- Invite vulnerability where trust already exists.
- Listen with curiosity and an open heart.
- Respond with empathy.
- Be flexible to the extent possible.
- Remind folks of resources available to them as an employee of the organization (leave options, Employee Assistance Programs, etc.)
First, we are human. Always. The rest comes after. Sometimes productivity takes a back seat.
How can you be the light for your team? Is anyone on your team struggling? What can you do to support them? Are you asking for the support you need?
I'd love to hear from you. Please comment below or send me a note via the Connect section of the home page.
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