Ukraine and social crises: How to respond as a leader
In this week's episode, Jeff and Anique dig into how global events impact people and teams. Jeff shares a framework to better understand the three critical steps leaders can take to address social and political crises, with real examples of how businesses are responding to the war in Ukraine.
“Checking in and listening to what your people think, feel and need should be a foundation of action now”
In This Episode:
We’ve been through a lot in the past few years globally. The pandemic, Black Lives Matter movement, and the war in Ukraine are just a few moments in recent history that have affected us on a global scale. What we know and believe is that moments of unrest, uncertainty, devastation affect us all in different ways.
Key Learnings:
The war and unrest in Ukraine is affecting everyone in different ways
Now is the time for leaders to hit pause and create space for their people to share how they’re feeling now
When leaders take this time for human connection (rather than brushing past it), people feel seen, heard and connected to each other
Leaders have a choice in HOW they respond with their people, and IF they respond as a wider company.
Invitation for Leaders:
As a people leader, consider using this framework to connect with your people and create space for them to feel heard and understood:
Step 1: Listen
Before rushing to solve or step into action, listen to your people first by checking in on how people are feeling and hearing what they need
Understand that the emotional impact and heaviness will be reflected in how they show up and deliver
Ask yourself: How do I listen in our business? How can I create space and listen without having to solve or take action?
Step 2: Show support
Consider which way is best to show support in your own way
Ask yourself: How do I want to show support - internally and externally? What would stop me from showing support?
Step 3: Make a shift to business operations
Consider which area you and your company fall into: leaders who make changes to how their business runs because they have to, because they think they have to, and because they want to
“This is your opportunity to check in with people, and perhaps take your pedal off the metal, and listen. Just settle in and ask people, ‘How can I support you now?’”
“If we don’t get visibility and awareness of issues, movements can’t spark change. And it’s people that create change”