Building Team Resilience: Catching Ourselves Doing Well

Posted on November 25, 2020 by LeadingAge

Our focus this week is on “Recognizing Wins” via complimenting and expressing appreciation. During a time when the “right” course is often illusive even when working hard to avoid making mistakes, people need to be reminded when they are doing well. More importantly, people need to hear they are a valuable member of your team. This helps us all keep going despite the significant stress.

Here are a few ideas for focusing on positive compliments and appreciation that can increase the resilience of your staff and improve your own satisfaction despite the stressors of COVID-19.  

1. During a regular meeting, comment on something you notice that your team does well as a whole. Consider starting the meeting with this observation.
2. Find a particular skill each team member has and highlight it next time you’re with them individually.
3. Thank your team members individually and as a group for their dedication.
4. Give a specific compliment to team member(s) to reassure them that the team needs and values each person.
5. Make one or more of these a personal tradition or regular habit as part of how the team operates. Encourage teammates to share positives with each other by doing this yourself. 

Special thanks to Alyson VanAhn, PhD, Associated Clinic of Psychology, for providing these weekly tips. For further information on teambuilding during crisis click here.

Additional Support for Staff and Leaders

LeadingAge Minnesota’s COVID-19 Staff Coping & Support Line number is 612-445-8656 or email covidsupport@acp-mn.com. This free service is open to any staff to schedule a 20-minute coaching call. A professionally trained coach will listen to a caller’s concerns and help them create a coping roadmap for stress relief.