In today’s environment, fatigue is a primary concern for leaders. The competing priorities of work and personal demands such as online schooling or elder care can tax your team. If we add other environmental challenges from COVID such as restrictions or lockdowns or wearing face masks, employees can be overwhelmed. Perhaps you, too, are carrying more stress as a result.
Climate is key
Be cognizant of your employees during team meetings. Maintain an environment where employees feel safe to express themselves. Communicate it is safe to discuss both directly and indirectly.
Maintain Awareness
With so many working remotely the ability of leaders to be aware is diminished. Engage your teams regularly. Listen not just for content but tone. Be cognizant of changes in behavior – someone formerly outspoken becoming withdrawn, for example. Finally, where possible, encourage camera use.
Offer help, don’t wait for the ask
Many companies offer counseling resources. Provide employees with information and don’t be afraid to directly engage someone with a referral (privately, of course) if company rules allow.
Self-Assess
Most importantly, take your temperature. It can be tough to see micro shifts in ourselves. Talk with a spouse or loved one or colleagues you can confide in (and ideally who you are in meetings with routinely) to see if they notice any changes.
Your team cues off of you. People can and will subconsciously mimic your behavior. You could unintentionally be condoning undesirable behavior. Self-awareness of your fatigue and its effect on the mental state is critical to your leadership and team dynamics and performance.