As we approach July, there’s no doubt that the world has changed dramatically since the nation went into quarantine back in March. Though states are beginning to open up, albeit with restrictions or strong recommendations, many people are either still working from home or out of a job entirely, and those who are still working are facing an overwhelming amount of change to what used to be considered normal. As a leader, you’re likely feeling an enormous amount of stress. To help you get back on track and try to achieve a new normal, take a look at the following leadership strategies to get you through this pandemic.
- First and foremost, make sure you’re taking care of yourself. Burning yourself out will only negatively impact your productivity and mental state, both of which we want to avoid. Find a work-life balance if you haven’t already, and establish routines for both your professional and personal life. Doing so can help alleviate stress and anxiety.
- Don’t forget to take a break. Without a break, you won’t work well. Aim to take one every 1.5 hours if you can.
- Set up and track weekly goals for yourself. These don’t all have to be large projects to accomplish every week, though—you can make a note to go for a brief walk a few times a week to clear your head or give yourself a fresh perspective on your work if it helps. Whatever you decide your goals are, hold yourself accountable for accomplishing these. Encourage others to do the same.
- Remember that, though it might feel like it, we’re not facing the end of the world. Catastrophizing bad situations will only amplify anxiety and stress—it can be managed, no matter how bad it is.
- Discourage negative thinking. No one is perfect, after all, and dwelling on mistakes is counterproductive.
- Mistakes happen. There’s no avoiding that fact: it’s just part of life. However, failure often leads to better outcomes since we learn from our mistakes, so take a deep breath and don’t be afraid to try again.
- At the end of the day, take a few minutes to debrief with yourself. What went well? What could’ve gone better? Take a look at the good and bad with a realistic viewpoint, not a critical one, because focusing on what you “should” have done will only impact you negatively.
- Celebrate the small wins. There’s no shame in being proud of finishing part of a project or being glad for the number of emails you sent out. You might not be at the finish line, but you have to run a few laps successfully before you end the race.