I understand it’s been a challenging few weeks for all us for many different reasons. Concern for loved ones, isolation from people and unimaginable changes to the way we are living in a very short space of time.
As we begin the third week of “lockdown” I’ve been reflecting on where we are in the change process. Using adaptions of the Kubler-Ross Change Curve, combined with conversations from the past fortnight, businesses and people are moving through the uncertainty stage, and are accepting the situation as a new normal.
It’s our job in L&D right now to support people at this stage, to stop people sliding backwards into doubt, and to get people to start embracing the changes and continue to rebuild their ways of working. Moving forward, with learning, we want these changes to become second nature. For people to embrace the different ways of working, to be innovative and creative, and accepting a new normal or status quo.
You’ll be going through this change process too, so consider where you are on it. Make sure that you embrace the concept of sharpening your saw. Invest time in the four areas of your life – physical, social/emotional, mental and spiritual.
Plan for how you can equip your workforce. Seek advice to help you handle the current information overload
The actions you take now and in the next few weeks will have long-lasting effects.
L&D cannot sit back and ride out the storm. Or let the business deprioritise learning and people development. Even if they want to. Open their eyes to Virtual Training.
So, work with the business and employees on what they need right now. Challenge them.
Be calm.
Be proactive.
Be the lighthouse. Let your employees know you are here for them. To support and guide them, give them reassurance and listen to them.
Be the caring, empathetic part of the business. Let people know you are concerned about their welfare.
If your employees don’t need you right now that’s fine – just letting them know you are there for them could be all they want right now.
It’s not nice knowing that for many businesses, the short term focus is survival. However, there will be a post-COVID-19 world, with economic recovery.
You need to consider multiple scenarios for your company. McKinsey Consulting have put together great advice on getting ahead of the next stage of the coronavirus crisis.
What will be needed? What preparations do you need to make?