Uncertainty. Change. Two words that people fear, and with the unstable global economy we have today it leads to instability in the workplace where uncertainty and potential change lay in wait every day. But how do you manage a team in an unstable environment? How do you take minds off potential retrenchments, company buy-outs and change that could disrupt lives?

“It hasn’t happened until it has happened” many people will say and those who are more optimistic also tend to focus on the more positive side of life and their job. But there are those, perhaps in the majority, that do worry and this worry can lead to them not performing their tasks or duties to the best of their ability. When change is on the horizon and when uncertainty is the only thing that is certain there are 4 things to do than can maintain a stable team in an unstable environment:

1. Create vision of stability
2. Speak only positive
3. Get face time with your team members
4. Invest in the future of your team

Create a vision of stability

Very often an unstable environment has become so because of rumours and gossip. Organisations and companies are in trouble all over the world and just because a company or organisation similar to yours or even part of your group is in trouble or going through change it does not mean you will.

Creating a message that outlines the plans and ambitions of your organisation and presenting this to your team and allowing them to contribute demonstrates and creates stability. Knowing a plan is in place and that each team member has a part to play in the plan gives them something positive to think about and act on.

Speak only positive

It is very easy to let the negative sentiment of downturns in the market, sales dropping a little and news that retrenchments or organisations closing their doors down the road settle in. While these things are difficult to ignore, although they can be, the negative language around them creates instability and undermines team confidence. Speak up and speak positive to your team members every time you interact, play on the positives rather than the negatives and keep them believing and feeling confident.

Get face time with your team members

Sentiment is lost in email and text messages and very often a written communication does not tell the whole story. Very often bad news is conveyed in an email or even a notice pinned to a board, of course it is quicker, easier and it is ensures you do not have to confront your team. Regular face to face communication with your team allows you get closer to your team and lets each staff member feel connected to organisation. Getting down to them and understanding what may be troubling them allows you to get an understanding of your team.

If you have to set regular one on one meetings then do so, but make them relaxed and informal and if possible away from the work place such as a nearby coffee shop. In unstable times the individual relationships you form with your team members will almost certainly be what holds the team together. Have an open door policy, allow your team members to feel that you are approachable.

Invest in the future of your team

Planning for the future, investing for the future creates a feeling that the future is positive and this motivates people. Investing in training is perhaps the best investment you can make in the future of your team, not only does it give the sense that tomorrow will be positive but it up-skills your staff to win against the competition in challenging times.  Training excites staff, gives them a boost and with their new skills comes new opportunities, opportunities you have created, and the staff members with their new skills become valuable assets to the team. Not only are they valuable assets but they are confident, happy assets that help strengthen your team.

These are just 4 things to do to help maintain a stable team in an unstable environment and there are many more. Above all the most important thing is to remain positive; if you do this above all else, your positivity will rub off on those around you.