This article is the first in a three-part series from Rebecca David, Vice President, Human Resources, addressing how to work through a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. This first installment features resources on how to lead during uncertain times.

For many of us, our work situation has changed drastically in the last few weeks. As the novel coronavirus has made its way, devastatingly, around the globe, we’re having to readjust not only our schedules and day-to-day workflows, but also our list of priorities. This kind of change can obviously be difficult psychologically.

We’re having to work differently; we’re concerned about our customers and the economic implications of this worldwide pandemic; and we’re not entirely sure when, or if, things will return to “normal.”

How do we continue to work in this volatile situation?

The Human Resources team at U.S. Engineering Company Holdings compiled some resources we’ve found helpful from the CDC, LinkedIn Learning, the Center for Creative Leadership and others that can help us navigate this disruption. We shared these resources with U.S. Engineering teams internally, but they can be useful in any industry.

In this three-part series we will share resources related to three topics: how to lead during crisis, how to manage the emotional rollercoaster we’re all experiencing and how best to work remotely.

1

Quantum Workplace provides an excellent resource for leaders. This guide offers 22 leadership strategies, practical suggestions on how to communicate and build trust when facing challenging situations. As Quantum puts it, “Team member trust is leadership’s greatest asset—especially during times of uncertainty, crisis and panic. Share this resource with your leadership team and people managers for the crucial do’s (and don’ts) of fostering trust during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

2

Another resource comes from the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL). The CCL offers suggestions from Gene Klann, author of Crisis Leadership, on how to respond to disruption when your typical approach to work is turned on its head.

3

I’ll close this first post in our series with a helpful video from Marcus Buckingham, renowned researcher on strengths and leadership at work. In it, Buckingham offers five leadership tips—such as how to help your teams turn anxiety into confidence—that can boost morale and engagement, which in turn will keep productivity on track. Plus there’s an adorable dog at the end of the clip.