Did you pass the test?

Mea Culpa. My last blog, on the importance of pivoting your human resource strategy, went out under the subject line “This is just a test”. Meant to be a preview for our team, the email was inadvertently sent out to everyone!

If that wasn’t enough of a surprise, we were amazed by how many clients wrote back wanting to know what “the test” was and if they had passed “the test”.

After a good laugh, your comments got us thinking. There are many “tests” we are facing together during the pandemic. As the days slowly tick on, our stress levels are being tested; deprived of seeing family, friends and colleagues every day, our spirits are being sorely tested, and as we make ever more crucial long-term decisions our leadership is being tested.

Living daily in isolation leaves many leaders feeling stressed.

With that in mind, here are some of our recommendations:

1. Finding an extra hour here and there to devote to learning a new skill not only makes time fly but it’s highly rewarding. I have friends who are creating works of art, writing books and learning new languages.
2. Reducing stress by aiming to stay physically fit is another aid. Take a look at your week ahead and plan for as many daily 30-minute blocks of exercise as you can fit in. From walking the dog to taking a light run, you’ll be amazed at how much better you feel for it.
3. Lifting spirits by finding a supportive network is key. A few weeks ago, the Phelps team started a Friday afternoon Social Hour to catch up and connect. This week, we asked everyone to share a story about themselves and we learned so many great things about each other; things we would likely have never learned in our pre-pandemic lives.

As I speak with many clients, one of their biggest stress factors, relates to how leadership will change as they continue to stare down the pandemic. We’ve been investigating what these new behaviours might look and invite you to join our Webinar on “Emergence Leadership during and after COVID-19”.

We’ll begin with insights from Dr. Jill Birch, who will be sharing five key competencies leaders will want to embrace during and post pandemic.

After Jill’s remarks, we open the conversation up to learn from each other and share how our organizations are preparing leaders to excel in a world that will be markedly different as we begin our emergence.

Make sure to register by clicking here. See you there!