If someone had told us in January how 2020 would evolve we would have suspected utter mischief. We are now in August and the Covid19 pandemic is still real and present. That is why our commander in chief here at NMCO, Tina, wanted to share her playbook for keeping business as usual, as usual as possible.
#1 Be understanding.
Recognize people for hard work and pay attention to changes in productivity or behavior. Recognize that these are uncertain times for everyone and everyone is responding to this differently.
Remember in March how overwhelming everything seemed? Well this feeling hasn’t gone away for everyone. With no predictable timeline for a resolution, keep in mind your team is possibly affected. Be patient, be encouraging and be positive. We all need a little help every now and then, especially now, we are in this together.
#2 Health is priority.
We have half of our team working remotely and the other half is distanced at least six feet. To ensure more safety, every morning we have a digital prompt to ask our employees if they have any symptoms and we check our temperatures using a no-touch thermomenter. We also follow up with a sanitizing session once in the morning and in the afternoon.
NMCO created a guideline to inspire your own sanitation routine. We understand it’s a bit tedious so we thought we’d offer something to help take off the edge. Download is here.
#3 Keep a schedule.
It’s important to help your team and especially your remote team have a sense of normalcy and schedule. Maintain regular meetings and check-ins via video or phone.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, especially during a health emergency, this is a standard industry routine even sans respiratory virus. This keeps goals on track, helps clarify deadlines and never underestimate the comforts of normalcy.
#4 Communication
Communicate and be transparent. We’re all navigating this new world together and as a business owner or manager, you may feel like you should have all of the answers. You don’t. Keep open a line of communication for your clients and team members.
Not only does this keep your team on the same page, this is an opportunity for maintaining and nurturing client relationships, community is vital during these times. Post quarantine we all benefit from some interaction for both work projects and mental health.
#5 Have hope for the future.
Even though this may seem like a standstill with your team or even your own business planning and strategy. Keep going and don’t lose hope. Even though some things need to be adjusted, keep planning for those benchmarks and be a beacon of light for your team.
It’s not too late for the new age ‘Roaring ’20s’! This can’t last forever, budget carefully, take a deep breath and keep chasing goals one day at a time.
