Have you seen the movie Cars? Its one of my favorite of the Disney/Pixar movies and one that my family has watched many times over the years. There is a scene in the movie where the hotshot race car Lightning McQueen is challenged to a race on a dirt track by the 'old guy' Doc Hudson. When the race began Lightning broke out to a huge lead and it looked like he was going to not only win, but embarrass Doc in the process. 

Then he hit the first curve in the track. (Cue "Deadman's Curve" by Jan and Dean. Hmmm...some of you might not have even heard of Deadman's Curve. Now, I feel old. (=...) As Lightning turned into the curve he skidded out of control and into a canyon-just as Doc knew he would. Lightning needed to be towed out of the canyon, which was a rather ignominious end to the race for the proud (and super confident) race car. 

What happened?

Lightning made the mistake of thinking that he could drive on the curve the same way he drove on the straightaway. The laws of physics proved him wrong. You see the curve is a transition phase between the two straightaways. While you can drive faster on the straightaway, the race is often won or lost on how drivers navigate the transition of the curves. 

The same thing is true as we transition to a new phase in this COVID-19 colored world. Handle this transitional curve well and your team will be set up for success. Handle it poorly and you'll either skid off the track or get left behind. 

Here are four things you can do to lead your team well through this transitional phase (and yes, they all begin with "C")

Provide CLARITY

One of the biggest threats you'll face during a time of transition is chaos. By nature transitions are times of change and uncertainty as you segue from one season to another. Some of your people may be ready to resume in-person tours, while others are very concerned about it. One resident is calling your team to open up the fitness center, while others are begging you not to! 

The antidote to chaos is clarity. Clarity of purpose. Clarity of vision and perspective. Clarity of plan. Make sure your people know what success in this season looks like, sounds like and feels like. Don't assume they know~be clear. 

Provide CONTEXT

During transition seasons the possibility of misunderstandings, division, and confusion increases. You may also see an increase of anger, frustration, and fear among your team This is why it's so important to provide appropriate context to your people. Help them see the big picture of why you're doing what you're doing. 

Increase CONTACT

When Lightning McQueen made the hard left turn his tires lost contact with the road. Maintaining contact is crucial whenever you change direction in a car~it's also important when leading people through a transition. During this time you may need to increase your contact with your team. You may need to spend more time with your key personnel to ensure that they have what they need to do their jobs; you may need to take the temperature of your team more often to stay in tune with what is happening. 

I'd also recommend you increase the level of fun on your team. Order lunch or coffee. Dedicate some time to conversation not related to COVID 19 or work. 

Model COMPASSION

Your team is composed of very different people, who all see the world in their own unique way. Some of your people are ready to move on while others may not be. Or, your team may all have different ideas of what "moving forward" actually means. This is the time to be compassionate to all of your team-regardless of whether you agree with their point of view or not. 

If someone is filled with fear for re-opening-don't belittle them for it. Honor them by listening to what they have to say. Thank them for having the courage to share with you. Then outline what you're doing to minimize the risk. Encourage your team member to come to you with any concerns moving forward. 

Likewise let's say you're doing a slow phased in approach and you have an associate that wants to re-open everything immediately, ditch the PPEs, and throw a huge resident party, don't shame them if this approach differs from yours! Listen and empathize with their point of view~and then provide appropriate context. Maintain connection even as you disagree. Help your team maintain connection with each other by being compassionate with each other, even when they disagree with each other and with YOU. 

Make the Turn-Win the Race

Leaders-your team needs you during this critical season. Make that turn, win the race! And claim your "Piston Cup." You need to watch Cars to know the reference. (=