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Little Find

In complete regression?

Regression is one of the three phases of any crisis (between emergency and recovery). It can last a long time, especially if you don’t change your routines.  

The paradox: during the first weeks of sheltering at home, the disappearance of work routines created an energy boost. Teams swung into action to deal with the virus in a stimulating spirit of cooperation, and decisions were made quickly and efficiently. This positive reaction is typical of Phase 1 of a crisis: emergency. This is quickly followed by regression phase, in which employees become tired, drag their feet, lose that sense of purpose, and begin squabbling about the small stuff.   

How do you make it through this delicate stage? First of all, break with your employees’ routines: reallocate roles — assign new tasks and responsibilities to everyone. This will get your troops marching again. Then talk openly about everyones emotional state  this is something new too so that everyone can look for support within the team. Lastly, focus energy on solutions for the future. Turn your employees into key contributors to your company’s future plans so they dont find themselves simply managing the daily, post-crisis routine.   

 

To go further: 
If You Feel Like Youre Regressing, Youre Not Alone by MereteWedell-Wedellsborg (Harvard Business Review, May 2020) 

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Françoise Tollet
Published by Françoise Tollet
She spent 12 years in industry, working for Bolloré Technologies, among others. She co-founded Business Digest in 1992 and has been running the company since 1998. And she took the Internet plunge in 1996, even before coming on board as part of the BD team.