Project Management

10 Ways to Support Team Members During Trying Times

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By Peter Tarhanidis, PhD, MBA

The COVID-19 pandemic, political and racial division, unemployment and other serious issues are casting enormous shadows across the globe. 

On top of these stressors, many of us have isolated ourselves from each other in order to lessen the spread of the virus and combat the pandemic. As such, we’ve adopted new behaviors and virtual ways of working to rightfully ensure our health and safety. And yet, these same efforts to maintain connectivity with each other have created more virtual isolation for many of us. 

Especially for those working in isolation, it is critical to stay connected. While tacit interactions drive human behavior and develop relationships, what can leaders do to re-create and sustain team members’ engagement?

Below is a list of ten action items that can help project leaders improve working relationships and performance during these tough times:

  1. Display compassion for colleagues and create a supportive environment.
  2. Listen to colleagues’ professional and personal needs, and provide support to help them maintain their best selves.
  3. Make it a point to meet and greet new colleagues.
  4. Arrange introductory sessions for new colleagues to support their onboarding. 
  5. Communicate the organization’s unique cultural attributes that bind teams and drive performance.
  6. Recognize colleagues’ small wins to provide encouragement and motivation throughout these trying times.
  7. Celebrate the track record of wins to recreate your company’s “flywheel.”
  8. Identify development and training opportunities to undertake new challenges.
  9. Ensure working parents have time to be successful at both home and work.
  10. Take time off to recharge, stay healthy and be there for those who rely on you.

What actions would you add to this list to benefit our community and colleagues?


Posted by Peter Tarhanidis on: August 24, 2020 12:01 PM | Permalink

Comments (4)

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Eduin Fernando Valdes Alvarado Project Manager| F y F Fabricamos Futuro Villavicencio, Meta, Colombia
Very interesting, thank for sharing

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Kwiyuh Michael Wepngong
Community Champion
Financial Management Specialist | US Peace Corps Yaounde, Centre, Cameroon
Dr Peter's 10 points are so vital for every team... This will help in creating team warmth. Thanks for sharing

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Peter Tarhanidis Director | President and CEO | Adjunct | Board Member| Johnson & Johnson | Praxis Advisory | Columbia University Chatham, Nj, United States
Hi Eduin and Kwiyuh thank you very much. If there are any other items to add to the list please that worked for you feel free to add!

avatar
Stephen Robin Project Analyst Trainee| Ministry of Works and Transport Arima, Ari, Trinidad and Tobago
Crucial points for any project team. I would add an open door policy for team members to air questions, grievances, suggestions, etc. A project leader should be easily accessible to his or her team.

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