{"id":14900,"date":"2020-04-23T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-04-23T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sourcelive.hr.msu.edu\/?p=14900"},"modified":"2020-04-23T09:13:18","modified_gmt":"2020-04-23T13:13:18","slug":"connected-through-crisis-why-an-interdependent-approach-to-leadership-is-vital","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sourcelive.hr.msu.edu\/?p=14900","title":{"rendered":"Connected Through Crisis: Why an Interdependent Approach to Leadership is Vital"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This is a guest post written by Jennie Yelvington,\nProgram Manager for HR Organization and Professional Development<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are part of a large, complex system and a network of teams has stepped up to address the multitude of issues that have arisen at this time. It is clear that no one unit or individual can solve these problems on their own. It\u2019s not enough to just embrace that concept theoretically. We are called to share knowledge and build connection so that we can be as responsive as possible at this critical time.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are action steps for you to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Focus on Problem-Solving vs. Blame<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When information changes at a rapid pace, mistakes will be made by you and others. That is our current reality even though we do our best. Be kind to yourself and others by moving quickly from the initial emotional reaction to a focus on problem-solving and the next steps. In many ways, we are learning as we go, and having a mindset that encourages learning from mistakes with less fear of failure<\/a> can be helpful. Check out this upcoming elevateU Live Event on May 13 called The Get Better Mindset<\/a> to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Maximize\nStrengths<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As you go about assigning work at this time, think about who would most easily be able to carry out the work without having to dramatically expand their skillset. Everyone is dealing with a lot right now and efficiency will increase if we line up work in this way. When people do need to take on new tasks that have a learning curve, think about whether there are other colleagues who can help them get up to speed quickly and without judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Reach\nOut to Colleagues<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Connecting with colleagues across our networks is important for several reasons. First, it is a morale booster just to make that connection and share experiences. Beyond that, it may fuel new ideas, create opportunities to work together on projects and allow for sharing information regarding needed resources and the changing landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Make\nSure People Have What They Need<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Gallup research<\/a> late last month showed that only 52% of workers strongly agree that they feel well prepared to do their work. When you connect with your team and your boss, make sure you are sharing critical updates, reviewing material and equipment needs, connecting people with educational support like elevateU<\/a>, and clarifying expectations in this unusual time. People may not just tell you if they don\u2019t know how to do something. Make it safe for them to have the discussion. Equally important, don\u2019t forget to check in on how they are holding up emotionally during this challenging time. Feelings such as grief and anxiety<\/a> are common and empathy and compassion from a leader goes a long way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Provide\nContext <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are talking to your team, your leader, or other\ncolleagues, it is helpful to share context. Starting a new project? Let others\nknow why and what you are hoping to achieve. Assigning a new task? Be sure to\nshare what problem you are trying to solve or need you are trying to fill.\nAsking your boss for resources? Let them know the impact you anticipate and how\nit will align with priorities. Sharing this information is likely to generate\nnew ideas, prevent wasted time, and help people feel motivated to be involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Make\nDecisions without Certainty<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In this rapidly changing time, we can\u2019t stand still. Decisions\nneed to be made without knowing exactly how the long game will play out and\ngetting input from subject matter experts on your team and elsewhere can really\nhelp. Focus on doing the next right thing and be prepared to pivot as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Deliberate\nCalm and Bounded Optimism<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the article Leadership in a crisis: Responding to the coronavirus outbreak and future challenges<\/a> the authors highlight two important leadership characteristics. \u201cDeliberate calm\u201d refers to the ability to stay steady in a fraught situation and think strategically about how to navigate. It requires humility and being fully present. \u201cBounded optimism\u201d refers to confidence combined with realism. Excessive confidence despite obvious difficulty results in a lack of credibility and being dismissive of people\u2019s experience. Instead leaders should acknowledge the challenges while expressing confidence that we can find our way through together, and then listen when others offer ideas. Side note: in order to be able to do either of these, you need self-awareness and good self-care strategies. Taking care of yourself helps you to stay steadier and take better care of others. Consider utilizing the many emotional wellness resources available from the MSU EAP and Health4U<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This time calls on us to shift from being fiercely independent\nand siloed, to embracing interdependence and collaboration. With a shared\nappreciation for each other\u2019s capabilities and experience, and an eye to how we\ncan best help each other forward, we can meet the challenges before us today\nand into the future. Perhaps psychologist Erik Erikson said it best: \u201cLife\ndoesn\u2019t make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the\nsooner we learn that, the better for all of us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The following books in elevateU may be helpful:<\/p>\n\n\n\n