A letter to leaders and managers as we face the impact of COVID-19

Dear Leaders and Managers,

The current state we are in is not business as usual. As leaders and managers, our teams look to us not only for guidance on how to navigate their work through this uncertain time but also for empathy and grace. They are anxious about how to manage their work effectively in a new online environment. They have children at home with them as they do their best to work remotely and join meetings. They have aging parents who live hundreds of miles away and they worry about their safety and health. They are frequently receiving texts, emails, and calls from friends and family members reaching out to connect under these unorthodox circumstances. They are distracted by announcements from their children’s schools and daycare facilities regarding closures. They have underlying health conditions that can be compromised if they go out in public. They are worried if they have enough food and supplies, but also don’t want to panic. So much weighs on each of us and our teammates.

The elephant is ever-present in the room and is not going away anytime soon. Let’s make sure to be human first when we interact with our team.

Be well. Work well. Lead well