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We are living in unprecedented and uncertain times that are challenging our health, family and financial security.

Leadership today, due to these circumstances, plays an even more important role than ever before.  The role of a leader now means more than just managing the bottom line.  It means always remembering that people are your priority!

Implementing these 4 simple ways to lead reduces anxieties and fears, keeps people focused as they work remotely from home and makes them feel positive about you and the organization they work for.

1. Communication – Communicate everything to your people on a timely basis. Because of the pandemic and downturn in the economy, people feel vulnerable and overwhelmed.  They are also worried about cutbacks and layoffs.
   
   Communicate daily or every other day to let them know what is happening in your company, team or department.  Open the lines of communication with everyone and let them know that you care not only about their involvement at work, but in their personal lives as well.  Great leaders place a high value on the health and well-being of their people.
   
   
2. Humor – Most people are under the highest level of stress they’ve ever encountered. To deal with stress, find some humor during these trying times.  When people laugh, the brain produces a chemical called endorphins, which helps heal the body and makes them feel good.
   As a leader, you must set the tone. Find something funny to laugh at or laugh at yourself and you will find that people will find you more approachable while relieving the stress if only for a few moments.
   
   
3. Reach out and Touch Someone by Phone – You, like everyone else are working remotely from home. It’s one thing to hold a remote team meeting it’s also important to reach out and touch individuals by telephone.
   
   Don’t talk about business but find out how they and their family members are doing. Show that you care by actively listening and being empathetic to their situation as people feel vulnerable.
   
   Having spent thousands of hours coaching by telephone, I find that telephone conversations will bring you closer and open the lines of communication. The emotion surrounding a telephone conversation can be a powerful experience as there is a self-imposed curtain between you that allows for space and intimacy.
   
   
4. Keep a Positive Attitude – There has never been a more important time to personify the characteristics of leadership and all the fundamentals that embody it.  People need a strong leader with a positive attitude and enthusiasm to spare.
   
   Leaders are seldom energy neutral.  They either energize people, or they act as energy vampires sapping workers’ motivation and enthusiasm. During these uncertain and changing times, leaders need to make a concerted effort to reduce stress and keep people motivated and productive.
   
   Remember…morale starts at the top and works its way through all levels of the organization.

Most importantly, be safe, be smart and be optimistic…. we’ll get through this!

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Jeff Wolf is a highly sought-after executive coach, a dynamic speaker and was named one of the country’s top 100 thought leaders for his accomplishments in leadership develop and managerial effectiveness.

He’s the author of the international best-seller Seven Disciplines of a Leader which was named one of the 50 best leadership books to skyrocket your career, one of the 11 most thought-provoking leadership books of the year and one of 3 books business leaders should read.

He may be reached in his San Diego office at 858-638-8260, jeff@wolfmotivation.com or www.wolfmotivation.com

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