By: Shari Dalton
Ten months ago, we thought this pandemic would be over six months ago. And yet, here we are. I’m aging myself, but it’s like the Never-Ending Story-one battle after another with still no reasonable end in sight. Your sales team is running thin, oftentimes working 7 days per week.
The “how are you doings?” have faded. Working from home is no longer the “new normal”, but it is just what we do. The noise of the pandemic has faded into the background and the crisis rates and backouts and demand for nurses is increasing and stretching even the toughest recruiter thin. It’s up to you to keep your team on the tracks. Being a good manager isn’t good enough, they need more from you now. It’s time to dig deep!
Here are 4 things you can do as a manager to really help your team!
1. Don’t just ask them how they are doing-do something to help them. Ask them if they’ve taken a break today and remind them how important it is to step away. Ask them if there is anything you can take off of their plate. Now would be a great time to consider hiring a corporate concierge to help run tedious errands for your team. Someone who can run to the grocery store for them or pick up some Christmas gifts. If your company has benefits for mental health, send out an email with steps to find a provider in your area and what they need to do-make it easy for them! Send this email out weekly-it’s bound to get lost in the shuffle of all their other emails.
2. Help them set boundaries-they should NOT be working 24/7. While it’s easy to do, and may be tempting to encourage, but it’s important that they do not neglect their relationships at home. This could add more stress. And if they don’t have anyone at home, this time should be used to rejuvenate! You should respect these boundaries-don’t reach out to them during their “off hours” and encourage every employee to respect this of one another.
3. Make sure they know you recognize their efforts and that they feel appreciated. This job can sometimes feel unfulfilling-remind them of the good work they do. For all intents and purposes, we are in war times, and they are serving their country. Remind them of the good they are doing and the value they bring to society. Celebrate the small wins with them!
4. Add a personal touch-you can still connect with people even with 6 feet between you both. Stop by their home, bring them lunch or a coffee. Hold a small happy hour tailgate or BBQ event in your driveway or company parking lot but be sure to keep people apart.
While this certainly isn’t an exhaustive list, it’s a good start to help you go the extra mile for your team. What other things have you done to help be a better manager and leader during this time?
