Many people, leaders and employees alike, feel stressed out during this time. Dealing with self-isolation, news reports, a change of work environment, lack of childcare, and more can add a lot of stress to anyone’s life.
While all of this is adding stress and discomfort, we are here to provide specific strategies for you and your employees to keep calm during these troubled times.
How to Feel Calmer
The first step to creating a calm, stable environment amongst your employees is to reduce your own stress levels. Here are several ways you can feel calmer and bring more joy into your own life and the lives of others.
1. Read books and media that makes you feel more in control
There is plenty of media available to you. While you may need to consume the latest information about COVID-19 as it relates to the business world, it’s equally important that you consume information that helps you feel in control of your company and your future.
Read blogs, books, and articles that support you as a business owner. Go to webinars and online networking groups that provide you with the information you need to succeed. There are more resources available than ever to help you plan and succeed as a business owner.
2. Realize that there are aspects of your business and the work environment that you can control
There are always going to be things in your environment and in the world that you cannot control. Instead of focusing on those parts of your life, focus on what you can control and make those changes.
3. Use this time to tackle projects that you need to complete
We all have items on our “to-do” list that have been sitting there for ages. If you have extra time right now, tackle those long-term to-dos! You may be surprised by how quickly they are completed.
4. Get outside for a walk
Even with self-isolation in effect, most cities and states allow you to get outside for some recreation like running or walking, as long as it is not within 6-feet of another person. If you are feeling couped up or run down, get outside and take a walk. Take time during that walk to really look around, listen to the birdsong in the air, and enjoy the feel of spring air on your skin.
5. Talk to a mentor or coach
If you are feeling overwhelmed or don’t know where to start, talk to a mentor or business coach. You can connect with us here at Business Success Consulting Group to get a free evaluation and some coaching on improving your mindset so that you can see a path forward.
Creating Calm as a Leader
It is part of your job as a leader to create a calm environment among your workforce. This means that you must project stability and composure to your employees.
The first step of doing so is, of course, to follow the above steps and make sure you feel calm in yourself. Then apply the following strategies:
1. Reiterate overall goals
Your business goals may have evolved a bit with the changing times. Be sure to share any revised goals and reiterate the consistent company goals to your employees so they understand where the business is headed during these times.
2. Engage employees in how these goals will be achieved
Share your plans, strategies, and procedures with your employees. If you are still developing processes and procedures, engage employees and have them document how they are contributing to the overall goals of the company.
3. Discuss the company’s future plans
When times are uncertain, the future of any company can feel unstable. Provide stability by discussing future plans and upcoming projects with your teams.
4. Share good news within the company
Public relations may seem like it’s just for the “public,” but good news should also be shared within your company. There is plenty of bad news out there, so make sure your employees know that your business is focussing on success.
5. Continue to regularly meet with employees over Zoom or other conferencing software
Talking with employees “face-to-face” and continuing to meet routinely is very important. It can provide socially-distanced employees with needed interaction and keeping a normal routine with the usual morning huddle or stand up meeting can provide needed stability for employees.
The feeling of stability that you project will filter through your employees and out to clients and potential clients.
Do you need a business coach to help you through this difficult time? Are you ready to organize and plan? Contact Business Success Consulting Group today!
