Support Your Team in Turbulent Times

Leading with Compassion

True to our roles and titles, our responsibilities as people leaders extend far beyond the day-to-day operations of our organization. We lead people. Meaning our primary duty is to guide and care for our team. Our vested interest goes far beyond reports, presentations, and managing spreadsheets; it sits within the genuine concern for their well-being. After all, who would follow a leader who doesn't actually care about them? 

During times of extreme upheaval beyond our control and complete comprehension, have you found it challenging to foster a supportive environment for team members experiencing suffering and trauma? Have you found it challenging to find the right words to offer proper solace? How do you navigate work when someone's world has been turned upside down? The recent Israeli-Hamas war serves as a poignant reminder that our fundamental obligation as people leaders is to place a premium on understanding, compassion, and open communication when steering our teams through challenging and turbulent times.

How to meet the needs of your team:

Acknowledge Emotions Run High

Global conflicts, such as the Israeli-Hamas war, inevitably give rise to a whirlwind of emotions. Fear, anger, sadness, and frustration are just a few of the feelings that can surge through your team during times of uncertainty. As leaders, it is crucial to acknowledge and recognize the heightened emotions that such events can trigger at home and throughout the workday and provide safe spaces for release.

Open Communication: The Key to Empathy

Open and honest communication lies at the heart of effective leadership. Now, more than ever, engaging with your team members, individually and collectively, is essential. Start by asking them how they feel, not only about the situation itself but also about its impact on their work and personal lives. Creating space for open dialogue empowers your employees to share their thoughts, feelings and needs without concern, knowing their voices are valued.

Fostering Respectful and Non-Confrontational Environments

Creating a respectful and non-confrontational environment is pivotal to ensuring that employees feel safe sharing their perspectives. Here's how you can cultivate such an atmosphere:

• Listen Actively
  When employees express their concerns or emotions, listen actively. Show empathy, avoid interrupting, and steer clear of judgment. Your willingness to listen is a powerful sign of support.

• Avoid Taking Sides
  Global conflicts often entail complex political, cultural, and historical factors. As leaders, it's essential to remain neutral in your interactions, not taking sides in any political or ideological debates.

• Offer Resources
  Some employees may require additional support during challenging times. This includes counseling services, flexible work arrangements, or someone to talk to. Ensure that these resources are readily available and well-communicated to your team.

• Encourage Empathy
  Lead by example. Encourage your team to empathize with one another's perspectives, even when they differ. Foster constructive dialogue rather than confrontational debates.

• Stay Informed
  Keep yourself updated about the situation so that you can provide accurate information to your team when needed. Be prepared to answer questions or guide employees to reliable sources of information.

• Reiterate Organizational Values
  Remind your team of your organization's core values. These values can serve as a unifying force during difficult times, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, diversity, and respect.
  

Supporting employees during turbulent times like the Israeli-Hamas war demands people managers lead with empathy and understanding. You can provide your team with the support they need by acknowledging the heightened emotions, fostering open communication, and creating a respectful environment. It's not only about addressing the impact on work but also the emotional well-being of your employees. As leaders, we play a vital role in helping our team navigate these challenging moments with empathy and grace.