6 Leadership Articles I’m Relying On Through This Crisis
Throughout my career, I’ve turned to articles and books to help guide me or to learn new approaches to leadership. Especially in moments of challenge, it’s helpful to know you’re not alone.
Let’s be real: Most of us are juggling work and family in a different way than ever before. Right now, you may have a kid in the other room who is trying to learn science online while you’re managing your own team via a Zoom call. It’s not like you have free time, but you still want to figure out how to invest in yourself as a leader right now.
With this in mind, these are the six articles I am leaning on the most right now. Each article is a 5ish minute read and they just might be what you need.
1. How to Talk to Your Team When the Future is Uncertain – Rebecca Knight
Nearly everything about this time is uncertain. Your team still looks to you for guidance and reassurance. The words you use as a leader matter, especially now. You want to provide clarity and transparency, and share the truth. This article shares practical tips you can use for your next team meeting.
2. Here Are The Top 5 Leadership Challenges During the Coronavirus Pandemic – Nihar Chhaya
Though this article came out at the very beginning of the shelter in place stipulations, it’s still relevant many weeks later. The section about prioritizing connection resonated with me. It’s a manager’s role to keep your team’s performance front of mind while also supporting them emotionally. Reminder: This can change by the day (and sometimes by the hour).
3. Zoom Exhaustion is Real – Steve Hickman
The title says it all. You’re spending your day looking at a screen and trying to relate to the visions you see. This can be even harder when you’re delivering difficult news. Pro-tip: Look directly into the camera when you speak to your team. You won’t be able to see their head nods or facial expressions, but they will be able to see the authenticity you bring to the conversation. As the article says, “This is a new place between presence and absence that we will have to learn how to accommodate as we go forward into the uncertain future.”
4. How Dual Career Couples Can Work Through the Coronavirus Crisis – Jennifer Petriglieri
As if it’s not hard enough to be a part of a dual career couple, now you’re potentially in a place where you and your spouse are both navigating your careers and lives under the same roof 24 hours a day. I’ve heard of many couples having disagreements about whose career takes priority during this time. Petriglieri shares tips on how to create a “crisis deal” and discuss your shared goals.
5. This is the Number One Career Requirement for Success After COVID – Christine Andrukonis
I’m a big fan of mindset shifts to achieve your goals. This article talks about an “energy mindset”, which the author describes as sustained commitment through uncertainty. It goes on to share that people with energy mindsets are deeply committed to themselves, others, and the greater good. Yes, please! What will you commit your energy to?
6. 20 Questions to Ask Right Now Instead of “How Are You Doing Right Now?” – Elizabeth Weingarten
I think we’ve all mastered asking, “How are you doing right now?” This article provides questions for how to go deeper than that and connect with others. I’ve tried several of these at team meetings and family gatherings.
The other article that’s gotten me through is this bonus article for parents. It has zero tips for your next meeting, but it will make you laugh, which is also very needed right now.
Reading has always served me as a leader, and now is no exception. I would love to hear what you’re reading, too! Are there any above that you’ve found particularly salient or look forward to reading? What would you add to the list?
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