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Learning Exchange: Leading Through Uncertain Times
June 15, 2009
By Karen Brill
You can't swing a bat these days without hitting someone who is worried about losing her job. As organizations struggle to re-balance their strategy and investment in people in a volatile economy, employees fret about what tomorrow will bring. Probably the only thing we can all agree on is that change is in the air. And change, for better or for worse, always brings with it a degree of uncertainty.
This is the right time, then, for leaders to ask, "what is my part in supporting others through uncertain times?" There is much written on how to thrive during periods of critical change, but for today I thought a list of everyday wisdom would do:
Make friends with uncertainty
Uncertainty often is characterized by everyone looking at everyone else for answers. What if no one has the answer? My experience is that there is relatively little information held back during periods of change, but a lot of decisions that have not yet been made. The answers in your organization and industry will unfold over time. You can criticize—but good decision-making takes an investment in planning and consultation—and that just doesn't happen over night.
Get the big picture
In order for leaders to remain positive in a stressful environment, it is helpful to see this time as part of a process, a transition as opposed to how things will always be. Leaders serve their employees well when they take a planned approach to communicating and don't mind repeating key messages.
To help others get the big picture, leaders must maintain their focus on the organization's mission and values while challenging the status quo; be tenacious and practical in their commitment to reach outcomes, and lead town hall meetings to communicate changes.
Create a culture of listening
There are times when no matter how much you communicate, no one seems to be hearing you. People who are experiencing high levels of stress have difficulty listening…not as much difficulty talking. As a leader this is your opportunity to recognize listening, not directing, is the answer many employees are looking for.
When employees come to you with concerns and questions you can't answer, your job is to actively listen. I often hear the comment, "I know you can't do much about it, but I feel better having had this talk." When there are no answers, having an open and supportive environment is in itself part of the solution.
Communicate your wins
Even in a difficult time, good things happen. Let's talk about them! What achievements have taken place over the past year? What programs have been implemented? What innovations are you planning? How has your team excelled? Let no win go unnoticed.
Best wishes to all through these uncertain times. Until next time…
Karen Brill is a learning and organizational development advisor.
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