It seems like almost every leader I speak with these days asks at some point in our conversation: “How do I keep my team motivated and engaged as the pandemic, work-from-home, and all that means continues? I feel like I have tried everything!”
If you are feeling this way, trust me—you are not alone. No one has the magic answer; everyone is still struggling with how to manage through what feels like an unending period of change, complexity, and uncertainty.
There is no doubt that this is our “new normal.” Yes, 2020 is in the rearview mirror, but it does feel like 2021 is offering up more of the same, doesn’t it? And noted futurists are predicting that we will see more change in the next two years than we have seen in the last ten—so fasten your seat belt and get ready!
In this challenging environment, we are all operating under a heavy cognitive load: dealing in new ways with work, family, health and safety; how we shop, exercise, and more.
When our brains are under this type of strain, we struggle to deal with big issues, problems or assignments. We can only take on so much because we no longer have the personal resources or mental capacity to deal with “just one more thing.”
How to keep your team motivated
So how DO you take the next step, keep moving yourself and your team forward, and use the agency that we often forget we have?
Here is an approach that I believe can be very helpful during these times.
We all face unexpected situations, problems or issues—both at home and at work. These may not be major obstacles or career-defining issues, but just something someone has brought to your attention to address.
Instead of looking at any of these as, “this is a big deal and I need to fix it now” perspective, or immediately starting to create a comprehensive action plan with a long list of to-dos, think: what is essential vs. what is exhaustive?
What is one small step, one simple action you, your team or family member can take that will give direction, make progress, or provide some satisfaction in moving forward? The goal here is to act, not wait for the perfect solution: to do something rather than nothing.
Don’t worry if you don’t know exactly what the road ahead looks like because no one does. And that’s more than okay for now.
Remember: In these challenging times, when you’re not sure what to do next, think essential, not exhaustive.