Dealers of Hope in Hopeless Times
Credit crisis, Wall Street Bailout, the Great Depression revisited,
yesterday I even heard the word Armageddon. One glance at the news and it is
hard not to feel on the edge of panic. Day by day, the story unfolds like
some tragic novel, only we find ourselves as part of the story, linked to
this run away train in ways we still can't understand. Never has there been
a time that I can remember where so many people are on edge, wondering what
the future holds for them.
Looking back into history, there have been plenty of times of despair,
wonder, doubt, and fear. But despite the various challenges which mankind
has faced, the human spirit has always proven to be more resilient,
adaptable, and innovative than we ever gave it credit for.
One of the greatest needs during times of great challenge and doubt, is the
optimism, and hope that some people have the uncanny ability to hold on to,
even in the darkest of moments. Napoleon said, "Leaders are dealers in
hope." The darker the situation, the more important strong leadership
becomes. In fact, at many points in history, it has been leadership that has
made the difference. Think of Winston Churchill. Times were dark in England
during WWII, but it was the steady and strong voice of Churchill that
strengthened the resolve of the British people. Can you imagine how you
would have felt when Churchill spoke to his country and said:
"We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the
seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength
in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall
fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight
in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall
never surrender,"
I, obviously, was not there, but even reading Churchill's speech stirs me.
It is during these times that we cling to words of hope as if those words
were life themselves. You lead employees, some of whom will no doubt be
feeling on edge right now. Questions are being cycled through the rumor mill
at an alarming rate. "Our stock prices have dropped; does this mean I may
lose my job?" "My retirement fund is half of what it was; what will I do?"
"I owe more than I am worth, and I am stuck. What is going to happen to me?"
These and questions just like them are par for the course right now.
It is during times like these when everyone could use a little hope. The
challenge is, there is very little of it coming from Wall Street. But hope
can come from you as a leader. Just like Churchill speaking to encourage and
steady the hearts of his nation, it is times like these when leaders need to
step up and be heard.
Here are a couple of things you can do right now to help steady your
workforce.
a.. Encourage them with what you know.
It is during times like these that people fear the worst and put everyone
in the same box. Because their friend's company is in bad shape, they
automatically assume that your company is in bad shape. If things are stable
where you are, you want to get that message out, 100 times over. Educating
your staff repeatedly on this fact will be needed to keep their fears at
bay.
b.. Be interested in their situation
As a manager, it is important for you to take a personal interest in how
each of your direct reports is feeling. Some may be on the brink of losing
their house whereas others may be in a very safe situation. Often people
with money troubles will not tell even their closest friends and family
because of the shame they feel. It is important to let each of your staff
know that you are genuinely interested in how they are doing. Just knowing
someone cares, does a lot to relieve tension and anxiety.
c.. Lighten up the office
Having fun is a good buffer against stress. Find creative ways to have
some fun at meetings and during office hours. It is also a good time to get
the team together more than usual. Human beings need that interaction and
find safety in packs.
d.. Set the example
In times of alarm or danger, people become more aware of their environment
and look for clues as to whether or not they should panic or calm down. Of
course the news stations these days are not helping, and if people see that
you as their leader are beginning to panic, it will only amplify their own
concern. Can you imagine Churchill, panicky and stressed, addressing the
nation during the war? Before you go to work each day, make a decision that
you will be an optimist, and more than anything else, you will remain calm.
e.. Help them find faith in themselves
If you are unable to assure them that everything will be OK with your
company, then at very least remind them that they possess the raw material
to handle anything that comes their way. If your company's future is on
shaky ground, imagine a conversation like this with one of your direct
employees.
"Sally, I can't guarantee you where any of us are going to be in six months,
but I do know this. I have seen your strength, your resiliency in the past,
your creativity and your work ethic. Even in a worst-case scenario, I know
you are going to find ways to evolve, and figure things out. That's easy for
me to see."
What you just did as a manager was remind Sally of the inner strength she
does have and the faith you have in her ability. Remember, right now a lot
of people are asking the question, "Will I be OK?" What you are doing as a
manager is helping them answer the question. That's dealing out hope, and
that's what leaders do.
So if you have not already started, begin today by handing out hope to those
in need. When this crisis is over, your employees will look back on this
time and credit you as one of the bright lights that helped them steer
through this turbulent storm.
