Thirty-four years ago this month, I co-founded Insperity to help businesses succeed so communities prosper. Over the course of time, we have experienced many challenges, including natural disasters, 9/11 and the financial crisis of 2008. Now, of course, we are experiencing a new crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our customer base is primarily composed of small and medium-sized businesses. These businesses form the backbone of this country. The leaders of these businesses are not only looked up to within their companies, but in their communities as well. Successfully launching and sustaining a business requires the ability to remain calm, plan for the future and navigate difficult times. It is these skills that will help the business community emerge and rebuild after the crisis is over.
Of course, we do not know how long this current situation will last or what the long-term outcome will be. As we all work our way through this, I and my leadership team are using the guidelines below to help keep us on course
- Review and implement your continuity plan created exactly for situations such as this. A commitment to continuity produces stability for your employees and your clients.
- Give your employees with the important emotional support and stability that all people need and it’s our job as leaders to provide
- Engage in open, frequent communication across the board. Keep a dialogue going about what you are doing and what you are planning
- Focus on the facts from trusted, proven and reliable sources. Update your information regularly as things change and evolve
- If possible, allow employees to work from home and be prepared for flexible workday hours as staff meet multiple needs
Finally, take care of all of your people – family, employees, community and just as importantly, yourself. Your steadiness and leadership skills will be much in demand when things stabilize. We will need each and every one of you and your unique skills to help rebuild and restore our communities and economy.