Covid-19 has turned everyone’s– personal, professional and social world upside down. The “status quo” is a distant memory.
The question: How can we help each other take the best of the old methods and combine them with today’s new realities?
My father gave me some advice that is particularly important today. If you are going to manage people – walk in their shoes.
Effective CEOs understand that the world changed in mid-March 2020. They know that by reducing employee stress, companies can increase quality, safety, employee engagement, customer service and profits. CEOs know that small changes in the company’s policies, flexibility, and communications can have a huge impact on their employees.
Below are a few things that cause stress. You may not be able to fix them, but if you walk in your employee’s shoes you will find ways to lighten their load.
How many of your employees would say “I do 99 things right and never hear a thing. Do one thing wrong and the wrath of God descends on me.” There is a better way.
In the past, companies operated at 120 mph. Unfortunately, at that speed too many employees were literally run over. By running at 95 mph, companies can increase their bottom lines while improving their employee’s lives. Creative ways to reduce employee stress is a win – win.
If we are honest, 2018 and 2019 resembled a tractor-trailer speeding down the highway at 100 mph with the back doors open. Despite your best efforts, profits, customer service, employee engagement, safety, quality, etc. were falling out those open doors.
Now, that semi is either parked or running at a much, much slower pace. That presents an opportunity to review and look at the big picture – what will I keep? What will I change? How will I grow personally?
The reality is that some of your customers and suppliers may not make it through these tough times. Given the changing marketplace, some of your products may not either. Again, being honest, some of your employees will not be returning.
You have changed, and so have your employees. In many cases valued employees went from the bread winner to the unemployment line. If that was not enough, their kids will not go back to school until the fall. Money issues plus no school, no daycare, no summer camp, or vacation, etc. That is a lot of pressure. Your returning employee will be bringing those concerns to the workplace. Some thoughts:
This is a very unsettling time for all of us, but we will get through it. I do not want to sugar coat it, but maybe we needed to slow down. Less “me” and more “WE” will make the world better. How will you use this period to help others?
Hopefully, your employees will be returning to work soon. Likely, they will be returning in waves depending on the economy and your company’s specific needs. Here are some things to consider.
Our world has changed. We can’t go back, but we can move cautiously forward. People will be your strength and ultimately will define your success. Choose wisely.
Helpful Quote
“How do leaders serve their people? They may pay good wages and treat employees with respect.“ John C. Maxwell
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Covid – 19 is wreaking havoc on every facet of our lives.
Not long ago we were running 100 mph in the “rat race. Life was hectic, but that was our norm. The new norm is working from home. The good news is that our pace has slowed, and we now have some time for self-reflection.
As an owner, executive, manager or HR professional, how do you define these seven words? After watching more TV than any of us want to admit to, do these words take on new importance?
When I was just starting my business career, my father said: “remember that everyone has a story. Don’t lead others without “walking in their shoes.”
Covid – 19 has “pulled the rug out from under your employees’ feet.” They will not be the same as before the pandemic. Neither will you. How will your employees redefine these seven words? How will you help them regain their footing?
Quote:
“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.”
By Leo Tolstoy
Helpful Book:
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad One
By James Clear
Company owners, executives and managers have had to make difficult, heart wrenching decisions to lay off their employees, family and friends. Net result: A great deal of guilt, stress and misery.
Five things I’m sure of:
We are going through some very tough times, but it is inspiring to see people helping each other. Your company, plant, department or team will never be the same, but it can be better. Together we win. Stay positive. Stay safe.
Quote:
“You can get everything you want in life, if you help enough others to get what they want.” Zig Ziglar, a famous motivational speaker
Helpful book:
Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring
by Bob Chapman, CEO Barry – Wehmiller