As a leader, it's essential to truly understand who your team members are beyond their roles at work. In a crisis, lives are deeply affected in ways that go beyond the office. It's not just about deadlines; it's about knowing the reality they are living in, whether that's worrying about family, dealing with personal loss or managing disruptions like no electricity or internet. This truth forms the foundation for how you support them.
While it's important to maintain professional boundaries, leadership during a crisis calls for creating a safe space where people can be vulnerable. Empathy doesn't mean becoming overly familiar, but it does mean genuinely caring about their well-being. People should feel supported, seen and heard. This helps them remain connected to the purpose of their work, even under immense stress.
You need to take action in a way that balances empathy with the reality that work still needs to get done. Flexible working conditions are key. Whether someone is working from home, a shared space, or temporarily displaced, leaders should facilitate an environment that adapts to their needs.
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