What are some of the ways you motivate your team to stay focused during stressful times?

Remember to demonstrate empathy and understanding for your team during stressful times. While maintaining a positive attitude is a valuable and common approach, it is also important to listen to the concerns of your teammates and offer healthy opportunities for them to vent any related frustration. Generating balance during fast-paced and difficult project phases helps to improve satisfaction and helps to create the environment necessary to deliver high-quality work.

"The first thing I do when my teams are stressed is listen to their specific concerns. Everyone seems to respond differently to stress and the reasons behind it are not always the same. I find it helps to validate their feelings and remind them that I am there to offer support.

The next thing I do is offer my own time in helping in any way that I can. If there is something I can take off their plates that helps us move closer to the goal, I do it. This causes some stress in my own world from time to time, but I lean on my support system and remind myself that smoother times will come soon.

I then strategize ways to be as proficient as possible in our work. This may include shifting work assignments, reprioritizing tasks, or managing customer expectations. I show the team I am working hard to protect their interests and facilitate as healthy of a work environment as possible.

The final thing I do is work in a number of activities to generate positivity and maintain as much balance as possible. I remind people to take breaks and practice self-care. I reward my teams with thoughtful treats, and I remind them of the value they are adding through their work. I think all of these strategies combine to holistically motivate the teams I work with during stressful times."