Dear Leader

Collectively we have all been through a lot in the last couple of years.  None of us have been through something like this before.  No leader has ever had to lead in such an extraordinary set of circumstances.  So, I want to say that I see you, and I hear you.  You are doing it really tough right now and your efforts are not unnoticed.

Firstly, I want to recognise your tenacity in continuing to lead in the midst of all that is unknown and unfamiliar. You have kept on showing up, being available for your team, and showing courage and vulnerability.  Your team has appreciated that.  They resonate with authenticity now more than ever.  There’s collective comfort and power in knowing that others feel what we feel, and face what we face.

In continuing to show up and be present, you have demonstrated empathy and deepened the level of connection with your team.  Whilst you may be working differently as a team, you have no doubt had some great successes and perhaps some disappointments too during this time too.  These are those moments that you and the team will remember because it is in the times that we feel deeply, we learn the most too.

During this time, we have all no doubt learned more about ourselves.  Hopefully, we have gained something new from an increased level of self-awareness.  What have you observed about your response to issues?  How has your team supported each other during this time? What has been the most useful thing that you have done when it’s been particularly challenging?  All of these learnings have contributed to building our resilience, and that of your teams. 

There’s a lot that Managers need to do right now.  In and out of work. I encourage you to think of yourself as an athlete.  Ensure you have a good balance of rest, recovery, and performance, not just performance.  Athletes don’t perform all the time.  Most of their time is spent in rest and recovery.  This time is used to reflect on their performance.  What worked well?  What could be improved for next time?  Without this time, it is challenging to contemplate any necessary changes to performance.    Ensure you are creating the space and time for rest and recovery so you can reflect.  This isn’t lazy, weak, or unproductive, it will be a key factor in driving higher performance.

We are not through it just yet.  There may still be many months ahead of unsettling times, but you will get through, because you have and because you can. 

Here are a few extra things that may help.

• Lead with Empathy

Really understand your team and others around you by listening, offering support and demonstrating kindness

• Deliver high impact communication

Be purposeful in your communications.  Think about your audience, your message and the mode you are using to deliver your message.  It is about more than what you intend to say.

• Build team spirit

Be intentional about creating a strong sense of team spirit.  Focus on trust and the quality of relationships in your team.

• Focus on better collaboration

Our “new normal” is still so new.  The way that we share ideas, collaborate and achieve as a team will feel at times like a new pair of shoes.  Once we break them in, they will be so comfortable.  Don’t leave people in your team behind.  Ensure everyone is involved and everyone can contribute, despite how and when they choose to work.

• Develop resilience

Like any muscle, it has to be used to be worked.  Your resilience muscle will grow by being tested.  Know that what has got you through tough times previously will also serve you well now.  Looking after your well-being will support your resilience too.

• Be an evolution champion

Approach the uncertainty of change with confidence.  Be calm and productive even when things are uncertain.  We can do this by controlling the controllables.   Focus on what Is within your control. Your responses, your reactions, your feelings and your actions.   These are all things that are within your control.

Leader, what you are doing is amazing.  It may not feel like it now, but everything that you have done in the last few years will be a part of your legacy.  Your legacy as a leader, and your legacy as a human on this planet doing the best they can.

Rita Cincotta coaches, facilitates and speaks on individual and team performance, leadership development, resilience and new ways of working. She works with organisations to develop human centred solutions that help people and businesses to thrive.