Consistency in Times of Uncertainty

Never in recent history have leaders been challenged like we are today. As the pandemic continues to wreak havoc on our businesses and home life, there has never been a more important time to be consistent in your leadership. It is easy to get caught up in the day to day drama, but that really does not serve your team or your company.

Maintaining your organizations culture is critical now more than ever. As an example, I lead a sales and programming Zoom meeting every Monday. Our offices and studios are empty as everyone, except our front office person, works remotely at this point. However, I always make a point of being in the actual office on this Zoom meeting.

Why? Even though my office is about as drab as you can possibly imagine, the empty coat rack and bland walls behind me serve as a signal to my team that I am still there. The simple act of maintaining this familiar space goes a long way to show continuity and maintain confidence.

Consistent communication is another tool leaders need to be using during these times. This one is challenging. When we used to see our people daily or weekly, scuttlebutts and building storms usually became apparent. With a remote work force, these storms can gather strength and appear more rapidly than if you and your team were all in the same physical space.

I have learned frequent check-ins are essential to hear and parse out the issues that ebb and flow through any organization. In these times, leaders need to “over communicate” so team members know they are being heard and that issues are being addressed. This sounds like a no brainer, but I ask you today, when was the last time you checked in personally with some of your most critical team members? ...Especially the ones that are doing such a great job, you might think they do not need a check in.

A consistent schedule is also important to maintain consistency. Make sure your team knows when you are available. This removes the risk of unreturned texts or snowballing email chains, which are detrimental to morale and over all sanity.

At the end of the day, we must continue to build trust within our organizations, even though the external world is full of mistrust. With the chaos of the pandemic, natural disasters and politics, your company needs to be a place of safety and certainty. This is achieved by consistency.

Bill Prescott is the General Manager of Lost Coast Communications Inc., and can be reached at prescottlcci@gmail.com