Yes, lockdown is getting old. Our Groundhog Day monotony has turned into a never-ending cycle of procrastination, frustration, stress and pressure.
Never fear your lockdown leaders are here!
As a leader in these not-so-unprecedented times we find ourselves at a difficult crossroads.
We really do want to be the leader:
- we know we can be
- our team needs us to be and
- we were in pre-covid times (or better)
However, lockdown has come at a price for some of us and that price is high stress levels, increasing pressure and our expectations have possibly, flown out the window. So, today, we are sharing three ways that we use in our teams, to help you manage stress and set expectations now, and in the future.
1. Set your office hours (and stick to them)
We know you don’t want to miss anything, and you want to be readily available for your team if something goes wrong. However, by setting your contactable hours, it limits the unnecessary stress on yourself to be ‘on’ all the time. It allows you to relax and be present at home and reset before the next day. It also allows you to keep a healthy and consistent morning routine that will set you up right for the day.
2. Seek to Understand first
We are working from home. We have not only work tasks, but life tasks piling up. We are exhausted and digitally fatigued (read “4 methods to combat digital fatigue“). We are frustrated and feeling overwhelmed about everything right now. There’s a good chance that you are feeling similarly to the others you’re working with.
It is in these heightened states which can bring out the worst in all of us, we need to react quickly and without a second thought to check in as to how others might be feeling. Seeking to understand how another person is dealing with the current situation and how you can help.
3. Focus on your personal health
When you take care of yourself, you are more capable of caring for others. It’s the age old saying, fill your cup first. Or, if you’re anything like us and missing being on a plane (and travelling) – always put your oxygen mask on before helping someone else.
Taking care of yourself might look like daily meditation, or exercising before work, or simply stepping outside for 10 mins during the day to reframe your mindset. It’s about finding what works for you, makes you feel good so that you can in turn help the rest of your team take better care of themselves.
Being healthy and proactively managing your stress and expectations, means you are in a better position to be less stressed and lead from a place of resilience and strength.
Also, always remember, in the wise words of our Managing Director, Phil,
Don’t focus on the input, always focus on the output.
Sometimes it’s okay to step away and take a break if that means you can come back refreshed and productive.
We hope you’re all staying safe and well.
The Corporate Edge Team
