![]() Smith suggests certainty can be counter-productive. Be sure people know you appreciate their contribution and will back them up. Great leaders also provide psychological safety-a feeling that employees are secure, can take appropriate risks and bring their best to their work. Leaders must re-patriate monkeys back to their rightful owners,” says Smith. “If we have monkeys on our backs, they require care and feeding. If an employee is at an impasse, you can suggest resources they might tap to deal with the issue. If an employee has a problem, it is better to listen and ask them how they’ve tried to solve it. The old adage recommends keeping the monkey off your back-meaning don’t take on responsibilities others should own. Some leaders make the mistake of taking on employee problems. “Ensure people know they are part of the solution, and not in a victim mindset.” Get people involved in projects and give them responsibilities that keep them productive and contributing. Craig Smith, leadership expert and owner of The Big Picture People in the UK, says it’s important to encourage people and engage them in proactive action. But be clear about the fact that you are paying attention. Take cues from people about whether they want to talk through issues, and back off if they don’t. But in one study of mental health, employees felt better when leaders checked in and demonstrated they cared. ![]() Sometimes leaders may avoid asking too many questions because they fear being invasive. Focus on your team members and what they may need for the task they’re accomplishing or the relationships they’re navigating. Schedule one-on-one meetings, be on video together (if you can’t be in person) and stay present and attuned to your team members. ![]() Be sure you remain connected with team members, especially if you’re working at distances. Either way, empathy is critical to supporting people through tough times. Empathy can be either cognitive (imagining what others must be thinking) or emotional (imagining what others must be feeling). Leaders who demonstrate empathy tend to foster greater commitment and effort from team members.
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