Technology is evolving rapidly, and many teams are finding themselves in unfamiliar territory. They’re shifting from a place where they felt comfortable and competent to one where they must adopt new technologies, processes, and ways of thinking. It’s overwhelming—and as IT leaders, we see the effects of this stress in meetings, emails, and personal conversations. But how do we help our teams through this period of high change?
Let’s dive into some practical ways to lead through stress and uncertainty while keeping your team productive and motivated.
Acknowledge the Reality
It’s critical to recognize what your team is experiencing. Many of your team members are transitioning from a state of high competency—where they could almost operate on autopilot—to a space where they need to relearn and adapt. This can be deeply unsettling for even the most experienced professionals. If we don’t address this stress, it can lead to burnout, frustration, and decreased performance.
As leaders, our first step is to openly acknowledge the reality of the situation. Your team needs to know that you see their struggle and that you're here to help them navigate these new challenges.
Clarity in Communication: Meetings with Purpose
One of the most common complaints in any organization is about poorly run meetings—especially when team members don’t know why they’re there. Are they supposed to contribute? Should they have prepared? Ambiguity leads to anxiety.
To reduce this stress, set clear objectives and deliverables for every meeting at least two business days in advance if possible. By doing this, you give your team members time to prepare and understand their role. Clear communication around the purpose of the meeting allows your team to feel informed rather than ambushed.
A good rule of thumb? Assign specific roles to individuals before the meeting starts, and ensure that the meeting leads to actionable outcomes, minimizing the need for follow-up and reducing lingering stress.
Break Tasks into Manageable Steps
Large tasks can be daunting. If your team members are staring at enormous projects, they may feel paralyzed, unsure where to begin. This often leads to procrastination and increases stress.
Help your team break these large projects into smaller, actionable steps. Each step should have a clear objective and deadline, and specific team members should be assigned to each step. The progress your team makes on these smaller tasks will build momentum and reduce overall stress. Remember, celebrating the completion of steps along the way—rather than just waiting for the end result—can give your team a sense of accomplishment and boost morale.
Setting Communication Expectations Across Time Zones
With teams often spread across multiple time zones, communication can easily become a source of stress. If team members feel obligated to respond outside their regular work hours, burnout is inevitable.
The solution? Set clear communication expectations. While formal standard operating procedures (SOPs) may not be necessary, loose agreements around response times can go a long way in ensuring team members can rest and recharge. For example, if someone is working late into the evening, they shouldn’t expect their peers in another time zone to respond immediately.
By respecting time zones and setting clear boundaries, your team can avoid unnecessary stress and confusion.
The Path Forward
Leading through stress isn’t about removing all challenges—it’s about helping your team manage them. By acknowledging their reality, providing clarity in communication, breaking down overwhelming tasks, and setting communication expectations, you can lead your team through periods of high change without sacrificing productivity or morale.
How do you lead through change and reduce stress for your team? Let’s start a conversation!
Comments