We see an inordinate amount of information across the whole gambit of media, supporting and encouraging the support of employees and small businesses and their owners, I have even promoted some techniques that I believe will help, now and in the future across different mediums.

But I see little out there to support those who also toil and work hard supporting the employees and indeed small businesses. These are the Managers, those who feel responsible for ensuring the employees are protected from the fallout as much as they can be during these turbulent times. It is these people who also try to keep the wheels turning for other businesses for they know one affects the other – both ways.

Like other major catastrophes and times of hardship, very few are not adversely affected. And so it is with managers, they also feel the financial pain but they also feel the pain of responsibility (yes there are some who think of themselves first, but this is not unique to managers). The managers who are leaders, think of the whole problem and feel pressured to conceive of positive outcomes for all, short- and long term.

Rebecca Knight in the HBR, wrote a good article titled “How to Handle the Pressure of Being a Manager Right Now”

Her article is broken into the following headings:

• Choose self-compassion,
• Reflect on your purpose,
• Reframe the situation,
• Force yourself to think positively,
• Seek a sense of achievement,
• Embrace your humanity,
• Look outside for help,
• Practice self-care.

The Brendan Reid website proposes ideas to help reduce pressure and relief stress. Although more generic and written a few years ago, they are concepts that are still relevant:

• Score yourself on a longer-term horizon
• Treat your team like partners
• Involve your boss early
• Create a “No Surprises” culture

And yet you, as a manager are still human. Take heed and care for yourself – as it goes “you need to stay well to be able to help others”. The UniMelb has some great points to be aware of:

• Learn how to protect yourself, and others from COVID-19
• Acknowledge your feelings
• Maintain your day-to-day activities and a routine as much as possible
• Stay connected
• Remember that physical distancing does not need to mean social disconnection
• Contribute
• Keep things in perspective
• Seek accurate information
• Set limits around news and social media
• Stay up to date with advice and support

Be becoming a little more knowledgeable on each of these, you can then not only look after yourself, but also your staff and ultimately the livelihood of all.

So, I wish you all the best in health and wisdom. You have been given an opportunity to show up as a leader of people, no matter what your calling or station in life. What will you do with it?

Full articles of each can be found at:
Rebecca Knight – https://hbr.org/2020/04/how-to-handle-the-pressure-of-being-a-manager-right-now
Brendan Reid – https://www.brendanreid.com/blog-1/4-ways-managers-can-reduce-pressure
UniMelb – https://services.unimelb.edu.au/counsel/resources/wellbeing/coronavirus-covid-19-managing-stress-and-anxiety