Be extra nice to your colleagues right now

When you’re under constant stress, it’s not always easy to be patient and understanding with your co-workers. But being judgmental doesn’t help anyone. How can you find and demonstrate empathy for your colleagues when you’re emotionally depleted? First, accept that we’re all coping with the coronavirus crisis differently. For example, you may find it helpful to pay close attention to the news, for example, while a colleague prefers to limit the amount of information he or she takes in. Also, be generous in your interpretations of others when they send a terse email or look grumpy on a video call. It’s more than likely that his mood has nothing to do with you or work. Do your part by being honest about what you’re feeling at the moment and clearly communicating your needs. And remember that your co-workers are likely suffering in ways that you don’t see or necessarily understand. Don’t try to compare suffering. Instead, lean into compassion, empathy and kindness.

(This tip is adapted from “What Your Co-Workers Need Right Now Is Compassion,” by Amy Gallo.)

Adapt your marketing strategy

The coronavirus crisis has led to radical shifts in consumer attitudes and behaviours. How can you adjust your marketing strategy accordingly? For starters, you’ll need to change the tone of your messaging. Feel-good content that alleviates anxiety and promotes solidarity will help your brand meet the moment. Find ways your company can help respond to the crisis, such as donating to food banks, providing free products for medical personnel or continuing to pay employees while your doors are closed. People will remember brands for sincere acts of good in a time of crisis. Keep your finger on the pulse by closely observing conversations on social media, community sites and e-commerce pages, and adapt your messaging accordingly. Finally, think hard about which marketing channels you’re using. For example, with the spike in digital entertainment, you may want to put more dollars toward ad-supported video streaming and mobile gaming.

(This tip is adapted from “Brand Marketing Through the Coronavirus Crisis,” by Janet Balis.)

Should that item really be on your to-do list?

Not every project or task you take on requires your immediate attention. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, ask yourself a few questions to help you prioritise your to-do list. First, why is this task necessary? If there’s no clear answer, it’s probably not urgent. Second, what

would happen a month from now if you don’t get this done? It’s tempting to barrel through your list for the sake of crossing things off, but before you spend time on a task, visualise its future impact on you, your stakeholders and your business. If you don’t see a long-term impact, consider passing. Third, are you the

right person to do this task? If not, consider whether you can delegate to someone else. Finally, did you agree to take on this task for the right reasons? You may have told yourself, “people will think I’m rude if I say no,” or “my direct reports are too busy to do this.” If you said yes for the wrong reasons,

chances are you’re the wrong person for the job.

(This tip is adapted from “If You’re Overworked, Learn Which Tasks to Hand Off,” by Sabina Nawaz.)

Break up your day with chores

When you’re working from home, you may find yourself feeling distracted by your looming personal responsibilities. You don’t have to push aside nagging thoughts such as, “I really should put in a load of laundry,” or, “isn’t it time to walk the dog?” –you can use these impulses to your advantage. Physical chores may provide welcome relief after hours of video conferences and thought work, and you can build them into your schedule. For example, if you’re having trouble starting a slide deck, decide ahead of time that you’ll walk the dog as soon as you get the first three slides done. Weaving these responsibilities into your workday can help you feel more productive both personally and professionally, leaving you feeling more refreshed and energised for the days ahead.

(This tip is adapted from “Is It Even Possible to Focus on Anything Right Now?” by Maura Thomas.)

Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, May 18th , 2020