The current state of the economy makes it very difficult to inspire employees to perform at their peak levels. They are concerned they may lose their job, and the negative emotions keep them from performing at the peak levels needed to keep the company operating successfully.
You must help your employees discover the best course of action to stay focused on producing results for the company. My experiences have taught me that there are four areas of emotion that help people move from disabling fear to empowering action. These are:
Control Optimism Purpose Engagement
These techniques will help you guide your employees away from feelings of fear to empowering COPE feelings.
1. Control
One of the reasons that the current situation is so frightening to so many people is because it feels as if our economic well-being is out of our control. As human beings, we don’t like it when we aren’t in control. Leaders can help employees deal with uncertainty by helping them regain a sense of control.
Yes, the current economy and the problems that come with it are troubling, but there doesn’t seem to be a point in stressing over a situation out of our control. It is more critical to focus your employees on those things they do have impact on, such as customer service and sales production, which will make them feel more in control of their immediate situations.
You, as a leader, may have to give up some of your control so that your employees can feel properly engaged with the decisions that affect their lives. If you give the impression that “you know best”, you will only foster mistrust and disengagement among your employees. You need to help them to get involved in those areas that they can control.
2. Optimism
Leadership examples from throughout history demonstrate the power of optimism in rallying troops, reinventing and reinvigorating failing companies, and transforming entire nations.
It’s your job as a leader to motivate your employees to keep a positive outlook and give their best performance. Studies show that hope, optimism, and other positive emotions promote the qualities your company needs to cope with the economic downturn, such as innovation and creativity. Employees who address problems with and attitude geared toward action and solution will produce the results you need for your business to be successful.
3. Purpose
Day to day job duties typically do little to remind a worker of the reasons their work is important over the long run. Take opportunities to remind your staff that their work has great meaning to the overall success of the company. Even hearing a simple reminder that their work matters will invigorate them to up their performance level and take action.
According to the Sr. Vice President for North American Operations of H.B. Fuller, Jim Owens, senior management’s job is to be clear with the employees as to what goals they, and the company as a whole, should have, as well as to provide a positive way to achieve those goals. Jim stresses that it is critical for a manager to make sure the employees are not left to interpret their and the company’s purpose and fill in the blanks themselves.
4. Engagement
Engagement is the last remaining element of the COPE model. An employee who is engaged will pay attention to what is happening to the company as a whole and will want to be involved in seeing it succeed in the future. In addition, they firmly believe their role is key to helping the company to succeed over the long haul.
Engagement means actively involving your employees in looking for solutions. When your organization is dealing with challenges, provide opportunities for your employees to get involved in problem-solving. Doing so not only increases employees’ sense of control, it also unites your organization and helps you come up with solutions!
Denver-based Sashco Sealants recently invited employees to submit cost-savings suggestions. The dozens of suggestions they received were shared in weekly “huddles” with representatives from each function and unit. Each team was encouraged to implement the ideas and then report back on results. The company is already reporting significant savings.
In summary, by following the COPE model, you can use positive, proactive leadership to get the best out of your employees, and to create a great workplace environment that breeds innovation, focus and productivity.
Wendy Mack is a professional advisor, coach, and author with a focus in leading and communicating change. Contact Wendy at, or get her free e-book, Transforming Anxiety into Energy at www.WendyMack.com.