As we continue to navigate through these uncertain times, we all need resilience. This is our key to surviving and thriving in the ever more challenging world we live in. Resilience gives us the ability to adapt and sustain high levels of performance through self-belief, strengthened connections and a positive mindset.
The Covid-19 pandemic could best be described as a crisis, and over the last few weeks we have already shown that this unique set of circumstances has helped bring out our best, with all of us stretching ourselves and pulling together. During this time we have rediscovered our key strengths and intrinsic motivation to keep calm and carry on.
Looking at the four standard pillars of motivation, this article looks at ways to strengthen these pillars though the crisis to enable us to reach our peak performance, whilst also building our resilience and staying motivated to succeed.
Purpose
So how many of you are taking the opportunity at 8pm every Thursday to show your appreciation in the nationwide clap for carers? This demonstration of gratitude shows that even the unseen jobs matter. In a work context, we all play a part in the bigger picture, and all of our jobs have meaning and purpose. Ultimately every job matters as we are all helping somebody out in some way, so help your team rediscover their value and impact. Focusing on that can make even the dull or mundane tasks become meaningful.
Supportive relationships
In the current situation, where we are all working from home, the typical command and control relationship doesn’t offer the type of support we all need whilst working remotely. Instead we can all dial up our coaching and supportive skills, not just as managers, but as team-mates too. Being physically absent from your manager and team often shows how much you need them for help and advice, particularly in these uncertain times. And for line managers, this is your opportunity to shine and be the boss people want to follow, not the boss they have to follow!
Autonomy
Most professionals crave autonomy and working from home gives us the perfect opportunity to create this for ourselves. Establishing our own routines and ways of working; not needing to be told what to do and how to do it. Things do happen even when we can’t be seen in the office, so trust each other and be supportive.
Mastery
True mastery goes hand in hand with autonomy. Working remotely provides ample opportunity for self-development. Not sure how to make your key learnings stick? Consider sharing your new skill, knowledge and experiences with your team, helping to build their skills, strengthen the team and build their motivation by creating more supportive relationships.
Let’s turn Covid-19 on its head and instead of remembering the dark moments, give ourselves and our teams great memories of pulling together and helping each other.