Page 31 - gs210201

Inspiration

Keeping morale high

hile a significant push is underway to speed might be too shy to speak up at a Zoom meeting, for exam-
up COVID-19 vaccinations, it will take sev- ple, but will shine in an old-fashioned phone conversation.
eral months for enough people to be pro-
W tected from the virus for us to resume many Another effective step is to celebrate milestones. "Given
activities we once took for granted. these difficult times, it is important for company leaders
to recognize company and employee wins when they oc-
That means life with restrictions—masks, social distanc- cur," wrote Megan Doleweerd for the TalenLyft blog. "Aim
ing, Zoom meetings, no indoor dining or working from to share business-related wins with your team on a fre-
home, etc.—and the feelings of isolation those restrictions quent basis, even if they are small. This could include a
often bring will continue for the time being. Many people new sale that was made, a special story or comment from
have lost their jobs or had their hours reduced. Others a customer, or a new partnership with another company."
have lost loved ones to the disease or have contracted the
disease and recovered, but with lingering symptoms. You can also add a touch of humor. Encouraging attendees
to wear silly hats, masks or mismatched clothing to spur
Faced with these extraordinary circumstances, keeping laughter at virtual meetings is one possibility. Reading
morale high can feel like an uphill battle. So what can we humorous poems or excerpts from humorists like Mark
do to keep our spirits high while the pandemic wears on? Twain or Nora Ephron (making sure no content will be of-
I have some thoughts to share. fensive to any participants) is another way to go.

Several helpful ideas Another option is to provide fun activities that get people
Start with your personal morale, because if you're not moving. This could include organizing virtual teams to
looking after yourself, you won't be able to care effectively compete in races, relays or other physical challenges—
for others. "Do an inventory of the actions and settings in all tracked by apps participants can download for free.
your life that improve your sense of morale and capability Another layer of motivation can be added if contests are
and those that lessen them," suggested Doreen Dodgen- linked to fundraising for favorite charities, which is also a
Magee, Psy.D., in Psychology Today, May 29, 2020. "Set some way to remain connected to the wider community.
boundaries around actions that bring you down. Create
pre-set times each day to do a brain/feeling dump, to pro- These suggestions might not on the mark for you, but they
cess with a friend, or to stretch and breathe. After doing might inspire you to incorporate actions that are ideal for
this, redirect your attention to the things you are grateful your unique situation. Whatever you do, nurture your
for." positive connections, and remember you are not alone.

When it comes to your team, it's essential to keep two-way
communication flowing. Despite not being able to meet in
person, multiple modes of communication remain avail-
able to us such as virtual meeting platforms, email, text,
social media, email and telephone. Use them all. Someone Kate Gillespie, President and CEO

31