Leading teams in a time of crisis
A message from Rob, Co-founder & CEO of Yapster
Like many of you, this is my first time leading a team in a time of crisis. There’s no denying that the sense of uncertainty in the air right now is palpable. People are worried - on both a personal and professional level - and assuring and supporting those who depend on us has never felt more challenging - or more vital.
Within Yapster, we try our best to practice something we call 'social leadership'. Simply put, this is the use of digital media to unite teams at scale. Of course we use Yapster, but any company-wide comms channel - such as Facebook or LinkedIn groups - can serve the purpose.
In good times, social leadership is about inspiring and recognising others - and it’s usually easy for extroverts. But in tough times, it really matters.
Social leadership is about communicating with speed, sincerity and clarity. It's about owning challenges while acknowledging the impact your decisions as a leader will have on situations being lived by your wider team. It’s also really hard to do. But in times like these, when people are feeling unsettled and uncertain, nothing is more important.
What we’re going through right now is unprecedented. It’s no surprise that everywhere we look there’s new information, differing information, arguably too-much information. As leaders, we have a duty to cut through that chaos in some small way and provide our teams with valuable and meaningful communication.
The thing I love most about the sectors Yapster serve is the sense of community, Instilling and encouraging that sense of community has never felt more vital than it does now.
So, if you feel you need to be more present on your company’s social channels, but you’re not quite sure if or how to start, I would be happy to help. Not as a consultant but as a friend and a peer.
Rob
