I just read a shocking statistic – one in four employees are dealing with a mental issue right now. And while that is shocking – it is not surprising; the world is challenging right now. All of us are dealing with challenges at work, challenges in life, and challenges in society – let’s face it – it’s a lot to manage.
As a leader, you are going to need to help your team members manage all these challenges if you want to succeed in uncertainty. Here are five strategies to help your team succeed in uncertainty:
Share the Vision to Succeed in Uncertainty
When attempting to succeed in uncertainty, clarity becomes a beacon of hope. As a leader, you may not have all the answers, but you can illuminate the path forward with a compelling vision of the future.
This vision serves as a rallying cry that transcends the chaos of the present. It’s not just about lofty ideals; it’s about making the vision tangible. Break it down into achievable goals, celebrate milestones, and most importantly, connect each team member's work to this larger purpose.
When people understand how their efforts contribute to a grander scheme, engagement and performance soar.
Prepare Them for Change
You know change is coming, and so does your team. In fact, they fear it. But it's not the change itself that's daunting—it's the uncertainty and the unpreparedness that accompanies it.
Want to succeed in uncertainty? As a leader, it’s your prerogative to transform fear into readiness. This begins with fostering a culture that doesn’t just react to change but anticipates and embraces it.
Begin by implementing regular training that develops adaptable skills. Encourage cross-functional projects that allow team members to become familiar with different aspects of the business, thereby increasing their versatility.
Create 'change simulations'—scenarios in which teams role-play through potential changes, discussing and analyzing possible outcomes. This not only prepares them for different eventualities but also reduces the fear of the unknown by providing a 'practice ground' for their responses.
Give Them a Voice
Uncertainty makes people feel out of control and uncomfortable. When change looms on the horizon, the inability to influence outcomes can be a drag on team members. To succeed in uncertainty, giving your team a voice is not just beneficial; it's crucial. Give your team a say in the challenges they see coming, and more importantly, a say in ideas on navigating those challenges.
Start by creating structured forums for feedback, such as regular brainstorming sessions or team huddles, where every opinion is valued. Digital tools like surveys or idea management systems can also capture input from those who might be less inclined to speak up in groups. Recognize and reward contributions to reinforce the value of each team member's perspective.
Active listening is key to succeed in uncertainty. This means not just hearing but understanding the concerns, suggestions, and feedback from your team. Acknowledge their input, act on viable suggestions, and explain the reasoning when certain ideas cannot be implemented. By doing so, you reinforce their value to the team and to the organization.
Share the Wins
Uncertainty can feel like two steps forward and ten steps back. There is always more uncertainty. That's where sharing the wins, both big and small, becomes a game-changer when looking to succeed in uncertainty. Celebrating successes is a powerful morale booster and serves as a reminder of the team’s capabilities and achievements.
As a leader, make it a habit to identify and highlight these wins regularly. This can be as simple as a shout-out in a meeting for a small victory or as elaborate as a company-wide announcement for significant milestones. Create visibility for team achievements through internal newsletters, bulletin boards, or social media platforms dedicated to employee recognition.
But it's not just about acknowledging the end result; it's also about recognizing the effort and growth that occur along the way. For instance, if a team member has gone out of their comfort zone to learn a new skill or has shown exceptional dedication to a project, that deserves recognition just as much as a sales target met or a project delivered on time.
Sharing the wins is about creating a culture of appreciation and continuous improvement. It's a reminder to your team that their work matters, that their contributions make a difference, and that, together, they are moving forward despite the uncertainties that surround them.
Stay Productive
And last but not least, help the team stay productive. In times of uncertainty, the usual metrics of productivity can become misleading. Team members may be focused and working hard on strategies that are no longer getting results. This is where staying productive comes into play in order to succeed in uncertainty – in other words, staying "busy" won't cut it. Its time to focus on the strategies are effective and producing results.
This might be easier said than done... so let's look at some ways you can keep your team productive in times of uncertainty:
- The first step is to ensure that everyone understands what productivity looks like in the current landscape. This involves setting clear, achievable goals that are aligned with the shifting objectives of the organization. Leaders should be transparent about what has changed, why it has changed, and what the new targets are. This clarity helps team members to refocus their efforts on what truly matters.
- Next, reassess and realign the tools and resources available to the team. Perhaps certain technologies or methods are no longer serving their intended purpose and need to be updated or replaced. Encourage the team to be vocal about any roadblocks they encounter and be proactive in providing solutions or alternatives to keep the momentum going.
- Productivity in uncertain times may require a shift in mindset from 'business as usual' to 'innovation as usual.' Foster a culture where experimentation is encouraged, and 'failures' are seen as stepping stones to success.
Ultimately, staying productive isn't just about doing more; it's about doing what's effective. It's about ensuring that each team member's efforts are synchronized with the organization's evolving objectives, ensuring that their hard work is not just busywork, but is truly contributing to the company's success in these uncertain times.
Today’s marketplace is challenging, and people are struggling in the workplace and at home. As a leader, the more you can do to help them navigate uncertainty, the more you will give them hope, keep them motivated, and spark the innovation and creativity needed to achieve results.
