(Part 1 of a three part series, today's tips 1 - 3) If you are like most managers I know, you are constantly being asked to do more work with less resources. And
same is true for your employees. This combined with layoffs, financial struggle and media stories of corporate corruption leaves many employees feeling more fearful for their jobs, more stressed out and more over-worked than ever before!!
As a manager, it’s up to you to keep your staff productive and motivated. This is a tough job at any time, but especially now. So you’ll need to spend extra time strategizing as to how you can accomplish your departmental goals with a stressed-out, over-worked staff.
The first thing you'll need to focus on is keeping your own attitude in check. It can be really easy to get discouraged when you are so busy and see no end in sight. But now, more than ever, it’s up to you to be a good example for your employees.
Despite what you may think, your employees are looking to you for guidance and they are definitely paying attention to how you are handling things. Expressing an attitude that’s less than positive has a trickle down affect on your employees. Many employees figure that if you have a bad attitude, why shouldn’t they? So take great strides to put on a happy face and show your employees that you've got things under control and are handling things just fine. Without being nauseating about it, please.
Demonstrating a good attitude has another great benefit. It helps you stand out from crowd. It’s during darkest days that stars shine brightest, so try to be a star. Consider this time as an opportunity for you to show your superiors just how competent you really are. Rise above negativity and uncertainty to do a stellar job and try to act like you're enjoying yourself. You will be rewarded for it!!
Now that your attitude is in good shape, you’ll want to address attitude of your employees. This is not time to let employee negativity slide. Yes, employees are worried, but that doesn’t give them right to mouth off and create trouble. Offer your employees opportunities to communicate with you on a regular basis. Allow them to ask questions and voice their concerns. But don’t allow them to spend precious work hours complaining to co-workers and stirring up further unrest. If you become aware of such activity, do what Barney Fife says -“Nip it, nip it, nip it!”
