Attempting to manage a team through an exceptional situation using conventional management methods will lead to great disappointment.

Sensemaking invites us to uncover symbols within each person’s experience to bring collective meaning to this event.

Don’t: say things like “the past is the past; now it’s time to focus on the numbers so we can catch up.” This deprives the team of an opportunity to create a stronger sense of unity and improve how they function together.

Do: suggest to your employees they list the pros and cons of lockdown and share them, so as to identify common ideas for improving teamwork.

There can be no performance without resilience, no serenity without supportive management.

By Adrien Chignard