A serious question this month about the reopening of our country, our businesses and our trust that in these next weeks and months we will each make the best decisions we can about keeping ourselves and our fellow humans safe. What is safe? Safety comes in many forms and levels. There’s physical health and safety, of course. There is emotional and psychological safety. There is financial security.
Different Priorities
Each of us has likely reflected recently on our own feelings of and need for safety. At the same time we, all of us, have been exposed to things during this period of staying at home that we can’t unsee. The making of breakfast. Taking the dog for a walk. Caring for a loved one. Not screaming in frustration at the never-ending traffic during our commute – just to name a few good things. Many others of us have had much bleaker experiences: being sick, caring for the sick, losing jobs, losing people they love, being quarantined with an abuser, being lonely beyond measure.
Different Workforce
As employers we are opening our doors back up to a different workforce with different needs and changed capabilities. Serious question: How will you prepare to do that? How will HR be resourced and your managers be supported as they bear this critical transition back to productivity and contribution? How will you equip employees to get back up to speed (what speed, how quickly?) as soon as they can? How will you lead your organization safely back to safety? Serious question.
Different Needs
As leaders, managers, policy makers, taking a Workforce Efficacy™ approach to this challenge can make a significant difference in a company’s success. Organizational needs of an essential business is going to differ from one in an industry deemed “non-essential” but decisions need to be made in both cases regarding values, resources and culture. Management expectations need to be made clear and managers must be apprised of, equipped and held accountable for communication, performance management and workforce development – including the development of skills, inclusion practices and accessibility during these unusual times.
Individuals at every level – from CEO to customer service and everyone in between – must hear and understand the goals and expectations of the organization, their teams and themselves so that they can then take the necessary steps to get motivated and productive toward reaching them.
In it Together
No one should have to navigate these big questions alone. Managing and leading with integrity and safety requires courage and support. Becoming the most confident, inspired and contributing version of yourself requires UPschool. Won’t you join us? Membership is half price through 2020. For year-round expertise, live coaching and resources for you personally and professionally join UPschool today.
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