Communication.
“Take care of the people, the products, and the profits. In that order."
- The Hard Thing About Hard Things
Well, here we are—six weeks since I last wrote a newsletter, never once thinking I would still be typing to you from my home "office," a nook in my kitchen that was a big point of contention when we remodeled. (Do we spring for the expensive French doors that open up from my desk onto the patio?) I've never been more thankful my husband relented.
The media has moved from stories about Zoom meetings and how businesses are being immediately impacted to how our country will begin to reopen and what our new normal will look like. You're seeing stories about businesses not ever going back to an office and how hotels are starting to reopen and what the Emmys could look like this year.
Last night, my husband told me that someone he manages at his company mentioned how stressed out they were. It didn't even occur to him that someone not in a management position could feel stressed out right now. That small interaction gave him a completely different perspective on how he is managing the team.
This morning, my client who has had to make some really tough decisions about employees called to say, "Hey, I wanted you to hear my voice and tell you about some of our upcoming plans AND to say that as long as I run this company, you will be part of our team." That call meant everything to me. To quote Carrie Bradshaw, "This is not an economy of which to be whipped cream."
Both of these stories prompted the topic of this newsletter: Communication. I also happen to have a degree in it! Of course it includes how you communicate with your employees or those you manage, but I am also urging you to remember those who aren't full time employees: clients, freelancers, and even "fans" who follow you on social media.
Not everyone is in a position to keep employees. That is the harsh reality. But everyone is in a position to have clear and frequent communication, compassion, and transparency with the people who help you in business. People will remember how you made them feel. Make sure you come out looking like the hero.
We are still here for you from afar,
Molly
1. Don't Forget to "Call your Mom."
Your people want to hear from you. My business is small, so we have a Zoom meeting without fail every day at 10am with our full time employees. While we do go over client business, it's mostly just to see each other's faces and have a sense of togetherness while we are apart. Your employees don't want to feel like you have fallen off the grid. You have to decide the frequency that works for your business, but working from home only works well when there is regular face-to-face communication—even if that means virtually.
Don't forget your freelancers and service based helpers. Check in once a month. A quick, "Hey, how are you hanging in there?" is appropriate. Even if you can't give those freelancers work right now, it shows you haven't forgotten them.
2. Only Make Promises You Can Keep.
If you haven't already, there may come a time when you have to make some tough decisions. None of us knows for sure what the future holds. Be transparent with your employees, and remember that it's ok to say, "I don't know." There is a fine line between saying nothing and saying too much. You don't want to promise someone their job and then two days letter have to let them go.
3. Listen.
We are navigating unprecedented territory right now. If you need to pivot, the people who work for you are most likely going to have the best solutions. Give them an opportunity to be heard.
4. That Voice in Your Head.
As leaders we are called to lead. Even in times of crisis. I cannot stress this enough. Take care of yourself. If you are leading a company, you are under more stress right now than ever before. I know for me, there were days early on in this pandemic that I wondered how I would ever get out of bed to motivate my team. That's when I decided that my mental health had to come first. I created a routine every morning that includes some sort of physical exercise. I take a break in the afternoon to go outside. Schedule in whatever thing is going to bring down your anxiety. You have to put on your own oxygen mask first.
5. When Sh*t Hits the Fan.
If you have to let people go, furlough people, cut salaries, the first thing you need to do before you take any action is ask yourself: "How would I want to be treated?" And then do that.
As always, if you need help with knowing what to say and when to say it, we are here for you.
This newsletter is brought to you by The Storied Group.
