Focusing an organization during times of change
It is especially difficult to navigate unprecedented circumstances that arrive by surprise or require swift action. Maintaining harmony in an organization during rapid or ongoing change is no small task, particularly in the absence of a clear ending. Here are some practical suggestions that will support leaders as they work to persist through these types of challenges in an organization.
Tailor the strategy: Uncertainty creates anxiety about the future, yet also allows space for innovation. Identify and consider new options that weren’t possible before; thinking outside the box. Focus on ways to keep the organization thriving and resilient. Collaborate with employees to determine shortterm goals, while reflecting on the vision for the organization’s ideal future. Call on creative team members to outline this information in a list or diagram; it helps immensely for the group to discuss this information and see it visually.
Draw the line: Identify the areas that clearly align with the organization’s mission
and near-term goals. Lean into the team for insight, ideas, and input; employee participation and buy-in help to ease the decisionmaking process. Proceed with caution when taking on anything new, channeling the team’s energy toward only the most pertinent priorities. Review elements of the organization that are nonessential, inefficient, or lacking in demand — and scale back or eliminate these areas if possible.
Call on your network: Connection and the spirit of community are essential during turbulent change; make the most of unique opportunities to dwell in the togetherness created under the circumstances. Reach out to peers, colleagues, friends, etc. Contact foundations or send status updates to applicable local officials or community leaders. It doesn’t take a lot of time to reach out. Whether it is to share praise, positivity, or pain points — outreach will ignite remembrance, connectedness, and solidarity amidst trying times, and, may also lead to unforeseen solutions.
Over-communicate with the team: Now more than ever, leaders must demonstrate genuine empathy, care, and value for employees. They need to hear that what they are doing matters, and to be told why. Look for “silver-lining moments” and use these to frame communication with the team. Reach out regularly, and do so in various ways. Gestures like a handwritten note, calling to check-in, and sending weekly email updates go a long way to easing mindwandering that plagues employees during times of change. Ask for feedback on what is working and what could be better, and then follow-up so the team feels remembered and acknowledged.
Focus on what you can control: While remaining flexible is essential, it is easier said than done. When things are disorderly, hold attention on what you can control, such as “setting the tone” (e.g., how we respond and the actions we take), creating goals, managing projects, budgeting, etc. Separate these things from that which you can only influence and the things you are concerned about. Acknowledge and appreciate the role your “sphere of control” plays in the bigger picture and take steps to contribute within boundaries that are appropriate and comfortable for you. When your concerns are out of reach, accept the circumstances and redirect yourself to what you can do.
Remember that there will always be rewards waiting when you aim to improve, and in light of current events, when you give your all to endure and persevere!
Jolene Thrash is the director of Human Resources for Humboldt Senior Resource Center. She is a certified Human Resources Professional with a Master’s of Professional Studies in Organization Development & Change, and can be contacted via LinkedIn at www. linkedin.com/in/jthrash/.