A crisis situation can happen at any time in the workplace. When something unexpected happens, it is management that has all eyes on them. Employees look to their superiors for guidance on what to do and how to act. In order to maintain effective employees and morale during crisis management, it’s important to demonstrate strong leadership and support within your management style. Here are the 3 best ways to support your team in a crisis.

Calm Reassurance

One of the most important things to do as a leader is to remain calm. Even if the news is scary and you are not sure what is going to happen next, you must keep in mind that your team is looking to you for leadership and support. The last thing you want to do is lose your cool. Take a deep breath, remain calm and reassure your team that you are going to do whatever you can to find out more information.

Open Lines of Communication

Once you obtain new information, it is important to be transparent with your team about the facts. Do not speculate about what may happen, as that may cause unnecessary fear or unwanted gossip. In order to relieve stress within your team, be as direct and specific as possible when relaying information to your team. Take time to answer any questions they may have and then give direction on next steps. Be open and honest, while allowing your team to come to you with any concerns or questions that they may have moving forward. Most importantly, do not offer a solution (or promise of a solution) if you do not have one. Many crisis situations (like COVID-19) are bigger than any one manager. Information may change from day to day so the last thing you want to do is over promise.

Stay Organized

Part of crisis management is keeping the communication between your team, the public and higher management organized. Above all else, you want to keep your message organized and consistent across the board. There may be things that you need your team to know that you are not ready to reveal to the public. Upper management may be working out a plan that they are not ready to share with your team. In order to keep a consistent message without creating panic, it is imperative to stay organized so you are aware of exactly what information is being shared to whom. Use whatever resources you need (checklists, post it notes, etc.) to make sure you are in control of the information that has been trusted to you.

As many of us have been trying to do our best to navigate the most recent crisis (COVID-19), it can be difficult to know the best way to support your team. Regardless of what the crisis may be, remaining calm, keeping lines of communication open and staying organized with your message will help you lead your team as you move through the crisis to the other side.