How a manager can avoid panic himself and keep his employees from panicking

In recent months, the word "panic" has become not just a word, but a reality for many. We will tell you how to stop panicking and keep your employees from panicking with Katerina Ackman - business coach, founder of the International Academy of Business Coaching 2WIN and author of the methodology "Holistic Influence".

What causes panic.

According to Katerina, now we live in a state of uncertainty and receive a lot of information from different sources. Because of this there is a state of panic, which spreads to all spheres, including business. That's why she is equally affirmed by both employees and executives.

How a manager does not panic and keep his employees from panicking.

Stabilize your own condition.

It all starts with yourself. To get rid of anxiety and achieve tranquility, Katerina recommends the following:

• Recognize that panic is a normal reaction in the current circumstances.

It is important to allow yourself to be afraid. This is not a weakness, but the position of an adult who adequately assesses the situation. To do this, it is enough to stop pretending that everything is fine, and to put a smile on your face in front of your employees. Your company, the country and the world as a whole are part of a single system where global changes are taking place. That's why many people are experiencing difficulties right now, and that's normal.

• Identify your zones of influence.

Make a list of what you can and cannot influence. There is no point in spending energy on things that are outside your sphere of influence - it will lead to nothing but anxiety. For example, you cannot influence the outcome of negotiations between countries, but you can change your attitude to the situation.

• Reset.

Panic occurs in moments of crisis: when everything changes so abruptly that you feel as if you are no longer in control of the process. In that moment, imagine starting your business with a clean slate and your existing skill set. This will help you weed out meaningless tasks and see opportunities.

Have an honest conversation with employees.

For example, my team and I organized an online meeting at ZOOM, where everyone shared what they were feeling and how they were coping with their emotions. The purpose of this meeting was to speak out and show that no matter what, we are united by common values: love, care, and trust.

Determine the purpose of your work.

Hold a meeting and, together as a team, find the answers to the questions:

• What do you work together for?
• What kind of company do you want to be?
• What values do you share?
• What can you influence and what can't you influence?
• It is important to communicate as equals: to do this, recognize that all employees are adults who can handle their own problems.

And finally: if panic has reached a critical stage, when a person becomes numb and cannot work, it is better to seek help from a specialist with a medical background.