Lead the Way in these Uncertain Times
The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted just about every facet of daily life.
It’s caused market volatility, fear, uncertainty and fatigue for you and your team. As a leader in the veterinary industry, this might be the greatest opportunity of your lifetime.
“Teams are never as tight, engaged, energized and focused as when they are working against a common enemy,” says Mark Faust, business author and president of Echelon Management. “You’ve seen it in world championship sports, disaster response teams and war.”
Leaders understand people need them the most during a crisis.
“Great leaders step up to control the reactions, reduce uncertainty and solve problems,” Faust says.
TIME TO TALK
In turbulent times, Faust says, you need to increase the frequency and intensity of communication.
This is especially important if your team is spread out, with some working from home or keeping new schedules. Do you have a way to get information quickly to everyone involved in the farm?
“The military uses recall rosters and telephone trees,” says Mary Kelly, CEO of Productive Leaders and a 20-year veteran of the Navy.
For your team, consider an email list, group text message or private social media group. Determine a way to hold briefings, Kelly suggests, whether in person or via an online teleconference.
“The time to create a business communication plan is before the crisis, not during,” Kelly says.
“Communication methods are only effective if they are already in place and people know where to go to learn more.” When communicating to your employees or others, Kelly says:
• Be specific.
• Stick to the facts.
• Be honest.
• Be timely.
“You want to have a way for people to ask questions and get reliable answers,” she says
