When tensions run high, miscommunication is far more likely to occur. And tensions are likely high: In a recent global survey, 44% of employees reported they had experienced a lot of stress the previous day. To avoid creating unnecessary anxiety during times of uncertainty, leaders need to be especially thoughtful about how they communicate with their teams. The author presents five common errors even the most well-intentioned leaders make — and what to do instead.
“I know our industry is going through it. To reassure my teams that they’ll be okay, I’ve been deliberately and visibly celebrating their successes,” Eric, the head of a 300+ person department at a technology company, told me last year. “But it’s not working.”