Supporting Your Team When the News Is Terrible

Trying to figure out a path forward, let alone focus on getting work done, in the face of a continuous stream of devastating news can feel impossible. Chances are that your team is feeling a host of emotions, from anger to despair to helplessness. While the world might feel out of your control, how you choose to respond to as a manager is not. And your team needs you. The authors share five steps you can take to help you and your team feel better when everything seems terrible. First, don’t default to silence when something tragic or traumatic has happened. Acknowledge it. Second, given that so many of the recent tragedies affect underrepresented groups, make it safe to talk about identity-based issues before crises happen. Third, create space for different reactions from team members; they won’t all feel the same or want to express their emotions in the same way. Fourth, let some things go – for you and your team. Fifth, help your team channel their emotions toward positive change.