It seems like such an understatement to say that we are living in a super stressful time right now.  The fear and uncertainty surrounding the Coronavirus is escalating daily.  As the Manager, Team Leader, Office Coordinator, or whatever your title, it is without a doubt that you are experiencing more than the usual stress of the job.

You have heightened safety protocols in place, that require implementation, training and monitoring.  You are working short staffed, or very short staffed, due to illness, quarantine, and child care needs.  Your clients, depending on your business and services, may be more demanding and less patient, as they too are stressed and fearful.  Through all of this, the employees you Manage, look to you for support and direction. No pressure!

Foremost, I want to offer you my support.  Remind yourself often, repeatedly throughout the day, that this is temporary!  This situation that has been thrust upon us, will pass—it will pass—it will pass. 

You can, and you will, get through this! It doesn’t require any different skills from the ones you already have.  Like communication, organization, prioritizing, and of course, the ever trusted, common sense.  So, take a deep breath, buckle up, and get ready for the ride. 

I know full well, how hard you will try, and how hard you will work, to keep everything together.  Between work life and personal life, you hold the risk of running yourself right into the ground.  With that being said, I want to make some suggestions, and urge you, to pay attention to your own self care.    

1. You need to accept right now, that you cannot do it all!  A lot of the pressure you are feeling, is the pressure you are putting on yourself.  If it’s coming from others, ignore them! ha-ha Ease up! Release your grip on trying to control the things you have no control over.
2. Don’t attempt to pick up all the slack, as several employees may be off work.  Your excellent prioritizing skill is being called into action!  Determine what non-urgent tasks can be put on hold for a short time.
3. Talk to your team.  Listen to their suggestions, they hold a wealth of knowledge. They will help by sharing duties, but don’t over extend anyone.  Every chance you get, verbalize your appreciation of them. The entire team is going through a very fearful time, and need to know that they have your support and understanding.     
4. Do a quick needs re-assessment daily as the situation changes.  What you were doing yesterday, may need restructuring today.  Navigate your way through this one step at a time.
5. Don’t burn the candle at both ends! It only increases your risk of exhaustion and illness.  Resist falling into the trap of going in to work early, and then staying late.  All that does in the end, is wear you out!
6. Meetings and deadlines that are not an emergency—reschedule them!  Streamline your to-do list as you enter fire extinguishing stage.
7. When you feel your stress and anxiety building, take a break.  Stepping outside for five minutes can do wonders, and somehow, magically realigns your perspective.
8. Communicate with honesty to your clients.  If you can’t do something for them, or meet their expectation, let them know.  Be upfront, even if it means disappointing someone.
9. You have permission to feel sad, overwhelmed and frightened! With gatherings and events being cancelled, take advantage of down time. Relax by reading, or walking in nature. 
10. If you are not well, stay home!

My thoughts are truly with you, especially over the upcoming weeks.  Let’s look forward to a better time, when all of this is a distant memory. Think about that great office party you can plan, as a COVID-19 survival celebration, when life returns to normal! 

As always, please feel free to reach out to me via the contact form, or at teresa@managerrefresh.com