In times of heightened tension—whether it’s during a major industry shift, an organizational change, or global uncertainty —business leaders face the crucial task of preparing their teams to manage high-stress moments, and uncertainty, remain resilient, and support clients’ needs.
At Positively Partners, we’ve embraced strategies to help prepare teams for such intense periods acknowledging our unique role as a provider of people and recruitment services to nonprofit organizations. By fostering open dialogue, prioritizing well-being, and establishing clear action plans, we’ve created a framework that helps us not only manage stress but also emerge stronger and more aligned.
Our commitment to equity and inclusion is not just a guiding principle but a vital responsibility in times like these. We are dedicated to protecting these values, elevating the voices of marginalized individuals, and fostering restoration in a climate where divisive and, often hateful language threatens the very principles of belonging and respect. With the stakes higher than ever, our role is both a privilege and an obligation to stand as allies and advocates within our organization and for the clients we serve.
By making space for open dialogue, deliberate preparation, and purposeful action, leaders can help their teams not only navigate high-stress moments but also emerge stronger, more inclusive, and ready to serve.
Here are key steps for leaders to consider during turbulent times, illustrated through our experience:
Make Space for Open Dialogue and Learning
Why: Fostering an environment where team members can discuss shared stressors builds resilience, reduces stigma, and helps the team align around collective values.
Example: This summer, we held discussions on the political climate’s impact on work and family dynamics, as well as our legal obligations as HR advisors. These conversations weren’t about taking sides—they were about equipping ourselves with knowledge, understanding trends, and reaffirming our role as supporters of diverse needs.
Personally, I draw insights from the work of Jonathan Haidt in The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion and the mission of the Constructive Dialogue Institute, which seeks to elevate meaningful dialogue through evidence-based solutions for organizations and universities alike. These approaches reinforce the importance of sharpening our thinking and our ability to engage in open, thoughtful conversations, even across profound differences.
Acknowledge Collective Stress and Prioritize Self-Care
Why: With 77% of Americans stressed about the future of the nation and 72% concerned about election-related unrest (American Psychological Association, Stress in America 2024), creating space to name the pressures of the moment fosters vulnerability, and empathy, and emphasizes our community’s need for self-care.
Example: At a recent team meeting, I shared findings from the APA’s Stress in America report to underscore that election-related stress is a collective experience, felt even more profoundly by those from marginalized communities facing threats to rights and inclusion. Together, we practiced mindfulness techniques to ground ourselves, creating space for our team to acknowledge their experiences openly. We also discussed setting boundaries and prioritizing well-being as a means to sustain our support for others, reinforcing that our commitment to inclusion begins with how we care for one another.
Establish Clear Contingency Plans for Continuity
Why: Preparing for potential disruptions (like schedule shifts, flexible work needs, and increased support demands) helps the team maintain focus despite external pressures.
Example: We created a roadmap for likely scenarios, including meeting cancellations, deadline shifts, increased PTO requests, and organization-wide healing circles. We set clear points of contact for mental health requests, clarified flexible work policies, and established support chains for quick guidance when it’s needed most. As risks to stability emerge, including supply chain impacts and potential threats to physical safety, our preparedness reflects our commitment to maintaining a secure and stable environment that protects all individuals, especially those from vulnerable communities.
Empower the Team Through Defined Roles and Leadership
Why: Assigning clear responsibilities during uncertain times reinforces both accountability and morale, giving the team a sense of control and preparedness.
Example: Each team member took responsibility for specific response areas, from managing mental health resources to overseeing client relations. These deliberate assignments helped establish a framework for action, creating clarity and confidence across the team. By empowering our team, we also empower each member to advocate for equity, kindness, and respect within their roles, making sure our response to this moment is inclusive and compassionate.
Encourage Engagement and Purpose-Driven Action
Why: Encouraging engagement and providing space for purpose-driven action helps employees channel their energy into something meaningful, reinforcing their sense of purpose and alignment with organizational goals while fostering resilience during high-stress moments.
During high-stress moments, it’s essential to help your team feel connected to a greater purpose. Encourage employees to engage with the work at hand by reinforcing the impact of their contributions. Help them see how their efforts align with the organization’s values and long-term goals. When people understand the “why” behind their actions, it fosters a sense of meaning and motivation, even in challenging times. This purpose-driven approach not only boosts morale but also empowers the team to take proactive steps toward positive outcomes.
Final Thoughts: Leading Together Through Service and Inclusion
Stressful moments are inevitable, but they also provide an opportunity to strengthen your team’s cohesion, empathy, and effectiveness. By fostering open communication, prioritizing well-being, and preparing for challenges with clear strategies, leaders can guide their teams toward resilience and growth.
At Positively Partners, we remind each team member of their power to make a difference: You are the bridge. You are the catalyst. You are part of something bigger. By making space for open dialogue, deliberate preparation, and purposeful action, leaders can help their teams not only navigate high-stress moments but also emerge stronger, more inclusive, and ready to serve.
Let’s lead, inspire, and support—together.
Written by: Adam Francis-Maurer
