In a crisis, a big part of every leader’s job is to provide a container for staff—that is, to make sense of what’s happening. Effective communication can promote the stability, continuity, and sense of purpose that helps people cope during tough times.
Here are the key components we recommend:
- Purpose: What’s happening and what you’re called to do.
- Uncertainties: The unknowns, sticking points, and tensions.
- Scenarios: How you’re moving forward in ways that reflect the uncertainties.
- Team impact and expectations: How people might be affected by the plan(s).
- What’s next: What people can expect from you moving forward.
Get started now with our simple Communication Planning Worksheet below. Reference our article Managing Through Uncertainty: What to Communicate to Your Team if you need additional guidance or sample language for each component.
In times of crisis or uncertainty, strong management skills aren’t optional—they’re essential. Enroll in our Foundations course Managing to Change the World and gain the confidence, tools, and strategies to delegate effectively, have high-quality check-ins, and build relationships with your team. Level up your leadership and sign up today!
The Management Center is a 501c3 organization that helps leaders working for social change build equitable, sustainable, and results-driven organizations via trainings coaching, and online resources and tools.