The current reality is uncertainty is the only certainty. Several shocks have hit the world economy already, weakened by the pandemic and global inflation.
Organizations are struggling to understand the new normal as the immediate future remains unknown. Workers are dealing with rising living costs, skyrocketing bills, and the highest inflation which has a direct impact on employee well-being.
Business resilience has never been more important as organizations navigate ongoing unpredictable uncertainties. Leadership in uncertain times will model strength, improve retention, and reduce fear of the unknown.
To exhibit leadership and to take control of uncertainty, it is best to communicate often which helps in reassuring employees and prevents undue stress.
ACKNOWLEDGE, ACCEPT, & ADAPT TO UNCERTAINTY
Leading teams during uncertainty present many challenges. Uncertainty is often associated with anxiety and mistrust, and it can cause a team to fall out of sync.
In these situations, a leader must act with strength and resolve. Conflict resolutions, problem-solving, and a positive attitude are all top-down features of an organization – that start with your leaders.
When you lead teams during uncertainty it helps in building trust. Your leaders must be willing to listen, accept diverse perspectives, and must make an effort to understand the emotions of employees.
An effective leader has a clear vision and long-term perspective. They must focus on the big picture and communicate this to their team.
Leaders should be mindful of their feelings and emotional state. They should make time to recharge, even if they feel exhausted. This allows them to better help their team.
As caretakers of the organization, there are a variety of ways to lead your workforce which will help in building resilience and make your organization a better place to work.
4 WAYS TO LEAD YOUR WORKFORCE DURING UNCERTAINTY
1. PRIORITIZE RECOGNITION TO FOSTER APPRECIATION
If you’re leading a team during uncertain times, consider establishing a strategic employee recognition program. This strategy can help employees feel more engaged with the company. It can also promote higher productivity and overall satisfaction.
Recognition is a simple yet powerful tool that helps employees know that they are valued. As a result, they are more likely to give their best effort. A thriving company is one with happy and motivated employees. Moreover, a satisfied workforce can build up a positive reputation and strong customer base.
Recognition programs can be effective for any company. They are important for recruiting and retaining top talent, as well as for improving engagement levels. In addition, they can improve a company’s culture and values.
To start an employee recognition program, the first step is to get managers to understand its benefits. Managers should be taught about the importance of shining the spotlight on daily successes. The next step is to create goals and objectives for the recognition program.
2. KEEP COMMUNICATION OPEN AT ALL TIMES TO BUILD TRUST
As you lead your team through times of uncertainty, it is essential to keep your communication open. Communication is a powerful tool to ensure you achieve your goals. It is essential to make sure you can convey the information you need to your employees in a timely and effective manner.
There are many ways to keep your communication open. The most important way to do this is, to be honest. While it may be tempting to be evasive, being upfront and authentic will help build trust in your team.
Another good example is asking your employees for ideas. This will show them you value their feedback and allow them to feel engaged.
You can also use one-to-ones to discuss uncertainty. These conversations can be held throughout the day, during appraisals, or at developmental reviews.
3. FOCUS ON EMPLOYEE GROWTH TO BOOST RETENTION
When you place your employees at the center of the strategy during an economic shift, they feel valued which leads them to put their best towards their work.
Developing your employees is a critical investment in your organization. You can reassess your performance assessment process by transitioning it from the performance to the employee development process.
Upskilling your employees should remain your primary objective. Choose to play the long game by developing your employees. Rytfit.ai helps you to see through the clutters and helps you to remain focused on what matters.
When you upskill, employees there create an environment that boosts employee morale and fuels company growth. The trick is to care about the team and company getting together.
4. ENGAGE WITH EMPLOYEES TO FOSTER TRANSPARENCY
A successful internal communication strategy will help in recognizing and responding to your employee’s needs for reassurance.
To reduce anxieties, identify touch points and cultivate an environment where your employees understand the challenges and feel trust in leadership to stay transparent.
Designate a weekly team meeting where your employees can share their ideas which could lead to wins for the company as a whole.
During times of economic concerns, identify inefficiencies to help cut costs and set out expectations for employees to become more engaged which will help in morale and show employees that their input is valued.
BETTER BE PREPARED FOR CHANGING ECONOMIC TURMOIL
It’s important to adapt and change your company culture to fit the new reality.
These varieties of ways will help you to build an organization that is flexible, agile, adaptable, & resilient and helps you to respond quickly to ongoing uncertainties and shifting priorities.
With a flexible and robust HCM solution, you can make decisions, empower employees, keep upskilling them, and keep up with changing pace.
During uncertainties when things aren’t clear, it’s always smart to be ready. That much is certain.