Communicate, over-communicate, then communicate again
A crisis creates an information void. The worst thing to do when your world gets turned upside down is horde information. Instead, ask questions, listen, figure out what’s happening and tell your team. Communicate often and in short bursts that get maximum information across without constantly interrupting your team from accomplishing tasks. Maybe that looks like a daily email or an end-of-day team huddle.
Be open and honest
Don’t kid yourself. Your team already knows more than you think and they’re probably filling the information void with stories and rumours. Get ahead of the rumour mill by explaining where things are at. But don’t use your team to air all your fears and concerns bringing them down into a pit of despair. Be a leader. Figure out what you can say and communicate it well.
Expand your influence
Reach out. Go out of your way to be kind. Spend 10 minutes and text the last 20 people on your messaging app. Say, “Hey, thinking of you. Hope you’re holding up. Let me know if I can help.” Slow down… no matter how fast your brain is moving. Panic breeds panic and you need to be the one to raise the level of calm.
Stay organized
Chances are you’ve just be handed a giant list of new tasks. You’re going to need to work more efficiently. Script your day the night before and scratch off as many to-do’s as you can before meeting your team. Work and deadlines aren’t being put on hold but they will get snowed under by the immediate crisis items that are coming fast and furious in this current environment.