Leaders break down too: ways to cope as a leader amid Covid-19
When you feel overwhelmed but you’re supposed to provide direction… what do you do?
I will be the first to admit that during this period of helplessness for millions of people, I too feel incredibly anxious at times.
As I scroll through news and social media, considering the perspectives of family members, friends, the media, politicians, designers and design leaders on Twitter and LinkedIn — I realise that none of us are exempt from the very personal implications of Covid-19 to our lives.
Parents worry for their children, whether young or married, because they are dear but not near. My mom would panic when she hears my 37 year-old sister catching a fever, 322 miles away in Singapore. She worries when I go out to get groceries and stand a chance to get infected outside. Older parents worry for themselves too, knowing that they have a higher risk of infection.
Working fathers and mothers not only need to cope with the anxiety of losing their jobs or business deals, but now have to cope with ensuring their parents are safe, their children are safe and entertained, managing the household — all while still working from home at the same time. Some speak of coping with working from home with their spouse which add another point of tension.
Students or young people worry about contracting the coronavirus, and wonder how their examinations and assignments will pan out, with cancelled classes and uncertainty about their next semester. Some students who study away from home in another country may deal with much greater anxiety — being possibly locked down in France or Italy without the care and love of family and friends.
I’m not forgetting the less privileged ones who earn daily wages, who are massively affected by government orders to stay home.
It seems like a vicious cycle — employees or workers are asked to remain home and may be required to work on unpaid leave WHILE employers are asked to still pay salaries (but where will they get the money?). The reality is, both sides may equally struggle to make ends meet.
Time will fail to tell of other poignant stories, such as stories of healthcare professionals battling daily their fear of being infected, but still soldiering on to care for thousands of others.
During this time, when most online content seem to breed hate, anxiety, and discouragement, I find it useful to apply the following principles to cope as a leader during this time.
1. It’s okay to struggle
If you haven’t realised it already, we are all in this together. Leaders and employers are human too, and sometimes we may feel that we need to put up a stronger front so that our team members will not worry.
When I see my leader or other leaders struggle, I feel humbled that I am not alone. It helps to stop focusing on my own problems and learn to make space to think about others too. But this is the first step: to recognise that it is okay to struggle because this is a time of unprecedented global challenge and everyone is affected.
2. Cry and let out your emotions
It is also okay to cry and let out your emotions. Sometimes, emotional release helps us feel better. I say sometimes because for others, it is different. For me, I feel a lot better after praying and reading my Bible, but it may be different for others. The point here is not burying how you feel because it is not healthy for you both mentally, emotionally and physically. Some people may choose to let out on social media, but I would be careful about using social media as an emotional release outlet especially if we’re expecting positive and encouraging responses but receive none. This might make you feel worse, but it has nothing to do with you — pour out instead to a close family member, friend or colleague who would be there for you.
3. Set breaks from reading news and regular ‘Whatsapp news’
Most of the news circulating currently are so negative (even if they are true), it can really affect a person emotionally, especially if you’re already struggling with panic and anxiety. I find it helpful to enforce breaks from checking news because it makes me unproductive and unable to complete my work — adding on to my anxiety.
4. Open up to your team about your struggles
Because everyone is equally struggling, it means a lot when you open up as a leader. Schedule a non-work related remote call and ask everyone how they’re doing. People want and need to be heard during this time — it may turn out to be the best team building activity during this time. As I scroll through Twitter this morning, I was simply amazed at how top design leaders opened up about their grief, stress and anxiety. So many people huddled together (virtually, chill) with them and said “Me too!” or “I know how that feels.”
5. Listen and look out for your team members
If you have done all the above, you may find yourself some space where you can start to look out for others in your team. Listen deeply to their needs and reactions, and offer help where you can. Do they need a different set of working hours because their children are at home? Have they been crying, and don’t prefer to video call so you can’t see how bad they look? Do they miss their deadlines because they are too anxious thinking of the repercussions of Covid-19 to their lives? Does anyone need help financially which you have the means to help? It could be just a meal, a week’s meal or even some groceries. Pay attention, listen and be aware. When chasing team members for deadlines or project updates, we can be more empathetic in our approach and recognise that most people are not going to perform their best during this season.
6. Remain transparent and honest with company developments
Beyond just the health scare, many employees are anxious during this time about the possibility of recession, job loss, and salary cuts. With large companies cutting headcounts and implementing hiring freeze, many employees are entertaining endless suspicions in their minds about their future.
As a leader, you can help by over-communicating during this time. Show them you care by checking in often with them, communicate company developments to them frequently, and don’t lie to them about the positivity of the situation if it isn’t. One of the best examples of employer communication I have seen recently is from Basecamp’s CEO, Jason Fried. In his internal communication message, you can find so much empathy, grace and wisdom. Leaders can learn from him during this time.
This is especially tough on parents, and nearly half of us who work at Basecamp have young kids. Without schools or daycare, we’re required to be full-time parents during the day. But we also have full-time jobs. We’ll be stretched thin, under tension, and stress will build. Something has to give.
Work should give. Work will give. Family first.
So forever how this lasts, for those with kids or other obligations at home (elderly parents, grandparents, at-risk relatives you need to care for, etc), all we ask is that you find a balance that works for you. Whatever works for you works for us.
If that means you can only find a few hours a day for work, that’s fine. If some days you simply can’t work, that’s fine too. Just make your best effort and communicate your situation with your team. You’re in charge of your time.
Everyone will still be paid their full-time salary, even if they can only put in half-time work. You don’t need to worry about that. Everything’s good there. You’re covered. You don’t need to use up personal days or vacation days. Pressure off.
[…] One more thing… A lot of people have friends who are losing jobs right now. It’s terrible, and we feel for them. But I want everyone here to know that Basecamp’s business is solid. Nobody has to worry that their job is at risk. We’ve always run this business conservatively, so our margin of safety is wide. We’re in good shape. — Jason Fried, Basecamp CEO
Here’s to weathering through this storm together. Whether you’re a leader or reporting to one, we are all just human. Let’s be kind and considerate to one another during this time because we need it.
