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Each day at 2:00pm, Ohio’s Governor, Mike DeWine, holds a press conference. I am not sure if he always did this, but it has become common knowledge throughout the great State of Ohio that this takes place. Governor DeWine’s aim is to help citizens know what is going on, what they need to do, and to remain hopeful. Politics aside, I continue to learn many useful lessons regarding what crisis leadership looks like. These lessons should be utilized within businesses to support employees as we move through this current challenge.
As leaders, it is important to help people see the reality of a situation. This often includes sharing bad news. Failure to clearly communicate will lead to people developing their own sense of reality. We are all “meaning-makers,” which means that when clarity is not provided from leaders, people will strive to make sense of their situation. This may not always be accurate and helpful.
1. Put People First
People need to know that their leader genuinely cares about them. They need to know that their well-being is paramount to what is taking place. Amidst chaos, this is vital. People see through canned speeches and hollow attempts at “caring.” What I have seen from Governor DeWine is an administration putting people before profits. His team’s message is that saving lives is more important than keeping the unemployment rate low. I may not fully agree with every decision; however, I do not question his genuine care for Ohioans.
2. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate… with Facts
As previously mentioned, each day at 2:00pm, Governor DeWine and his team hold a daily COVID-19 new conference. Why? Holding these daily news conferences provides relevant updates and directives. This information is meaningful and helpful for people to make sense of this chaotic time. Simply communicating is not always helpful. Communicating with facts is.
3. Make Hard Decision with Empathy and Transparency
Governor DeWine made some very difficult decisions this past month. One of his first decisions was to ban fans from attending NCAA Men’s March Madness basketball games in Ohio. Ultimately, this led to the tournament being cancelled. From his “Stay-at-Home” order to mandating that restaurants and bars close, decision after decision has been made. However, there has been genuine empathy and explanation of how this will negatively impact people and the reasons for doing so. Again, people were put first, and this message rang clear.
4. Point People to Resources
With so much uncertainty, people need clarity on where to go to find what they need. In the workplace, many people face furloughs and layoffs. One of the best things an employer can do is help affected employees find what they need. Sometimes, this means handing them a one-page document outlining how they can apply for unemployment. Other times, it is sitting down with an employee to call a needed resource. Identifying what people need prior to delivering a certain message goes a long way in treating people with respect, dignity, and genuine care.
5. Give a Message of Hope
Throughout Governor DeWine’s communications, he has helped people see that they are not in this situation alone and that it will pass. Constantly reminding Ohioans of this is needed amidst the current “Stay-at-Home” order. In the workplace, employees need to hear from their leaders a message of hope. They need to know the truth (even when it is not good), that the leaders have a plan, and that there is a unified approach to solving it. This does not guarantee anything, but it helps people see a direction their organization is heading.
We live in uncertain times. Leaders need to step up and lead with clear communications. Clarity is essential in order build a united front to tackle very difficult organizational and personal challenges. Such unity will propel companies toward success amidst chaos.
Over the next several blog posts, I will explore other areas businesses need to consider as they deal with the current COVID-19 disruption. If you missed part one of this multi-part series, please explore it.
Hang in there! This will pass! We are in this together!
Need assistance with addressing short and long term HR needs for your business? Contact me at steve.black@brixeyandmeyer.com, and we will address them proactively.
Disclaimer: This blog is not legal advice, but merely informed opinion or general information meant for no particular purpose. Issues addressed in this blog often implicate federal, state, and local labor and employment laws. This blog is not intended as a substitute for legal advice. Readers should consult labor and employment counsel to determine whether their particular policies, procedures, decisions, or courses of action comply with such laws.