It’s never easy to manage people through tough times. But when the news is disturbing, and you know your team’s minds are understandably elsewhere, it can be particularly hard to know how to best support your people. How do you balance your desire to be compassionate with the need to continue to get work done? What do you say — or not say? And what should you do if you’re feeling overwhelmed by it all as well?
How to Be a Supportive Manager When Times Are Tough
Is anyone really focused on work right now?
March 31, 2022
Summary.
As disturbing world events continue to unfold, it’s understandable that your team’s minds are elsewhere. As a manager, what can you do to support your team right now? How do you balance the need for compassion with the need to still get work done? The author offers recommendations for how to manage through uncertain times. To start, take some time to understand your own emotions. You’ll be better able to support your team and model resiliency if you acknowledge and manage any stress and anxiety you feel yourself. It’s also important not to bottle your emotions, or to expect employees to do the same. Encourage self-compassion, ask people what they need, and model self-care.
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New!
HBR Learning
Team Management Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Team Management. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Build a better team and achieve more of what matters.