The first week of every month tends to be productive and active for me, and last week was no exception. I am often included in staff meetings of my regular clients. Last week, I led a biotech’s senior leadership retreat, I spoke at an environmental association staff meeting, I coached a leader of a marketing company and also a government leader, and then rounded out the week by attending an association staff meeting.

I am so impressed with the leaders of these organizations and how they are handling Coronavirus in their organizations! Spread their good example in the way you lead!

Wash your hands like a role model

Yes, now leaders are not just being watched in the boardroom, they are being watched at the sink in the restroom. You are hygiene leaders. Learn and model safe hand washing, and rather than sing the birthday song, may I suggest that leaders, and everyone else, take 20 long deep breaths. Filling your lungs with oxygen while cleaning your hands will not only help prevent the spread of disease, it will create a calmer workplace.

Stay at home if you are coughing, sneezing, or feeling ill

Leaders, I mean you! Please don’t tell employees that they should stay home if they are feeling ill and then show up with your box of tissues. During this time, leadership might mean working from home. You are role models and if you don’t stay home when you are sniffly, no one else will.  

Be empathetic

Many employees are calm, and it’s business as usual for them. Others are genuinely worried.  Perhaps they have decreased immune function. Perhaps they have a loved one who is elderly or fragile. Whatever their concerns, they are real concerns, and if they need time off from work, or to work from home, try in good faith to figure out a plan.

Plan ahead

Work with your team to implement a plan for possible stages of the virus. What will you do if schools close, or if your government officials order everyone to stay home?  Develop contingency plans now.

Speak calmly and with optimism

Your words and tone matter. Use words of hope. “We have weathered storms before” is much better than “I don’t know how we will get through this.”  “In the past, industry has rebounded and I am sure that will happen again” or “I think we will find that our work is more important than ever.”

Use humor

“I am getting a seat on the metro every day now!” “It’s easier to park with fewer cars in the lot.” Find the positives and humor  — they exist in every situation! And why not elbow bump your team to show you’re with them?

And as always, speak words of appreciation

Notice what is going right. Appreciate the custodial staff that is working double time cleaning light switches and door handles. Appreciate the HR department that is updating virtual work policy and availability. Appreciate any staff that regularly travels for altering their schedules. See ALL the employees who are contributing and acknowledge them.

Leadership, as well as hand sanitizer, is needed in abundance right now.