You're facing a crisis in communication. How can you keep your team motivated and morale high?

In a communication crisis, maintain team morale by: - Fostering transparency with regular updates and clear action plans - Showing empathy by acknowledging concerns and emotions - Encouraging open dialogue to address worries and gather input - Recognizing and celebrating small wins to boost spirits - Providing resources for stress management and balancing workloads - Leading by example with a calm and positive demeanor - Reinforcing the team’s purpose and the impact of their work Keep the team informed, supported, and motivated to overcome the crisis together.

During a recent project crisis, I ensured open dialogue by scheduling daily check-ins with the team. We discussed challenges openly, brainstormed solutions together and addressed any concerns promptly. This approach helped us stay aligned and boosted team morale as everyone felt heard and involved in decision-making. Maintaining open and transparent communication is crucial during a crisis, but regularly checking in with my team members to provide updates, listen to their concerns, and answer questions helped us foster a sense of trust and ensures everyone is on the same page.

In a previous job, we ran into big problems with a project. To fix this, we started weekly meetings where everyone could share their ideas, no matter their job title. It was really relaxed. One of the quiet guys from the tech team suggested a quicker way to do things that none of us had thought of. It worked great, and we finished the project on time. This showed me how important it is to listen to everyone because you never know who will have the perfect solution.

Updating your team regularly (weekly or daily depending on how time-sensitive the problematic project is) and transparently on how things are going, positively or negatively, goes a long way to make it through the toughest of situations. Don't try and hide things from your colleagues. They are not oblivious to what happens around them: You getting ahead of any speculation and actively involving them in a discussion to find a solution to a crisis will reinforce trust, stimulate solidarity and in most cases get your team's creativity in overdrive to find short-term solutions to avoid long-term consequences.

Facing a crisis in communication, keeping your team motivated and morale high requires a proactive and empathetic approach. Begin by addressing the communication issues head-on, acknowledging the problem, and actively working to resolve it through open and transparent dialogue. Foster a supportive environment by encouraging team members to voice their concerns and ideas, and ensure they feel heard and valued. Provide clear and consistent updates about the situation and the steps being taken to improve communication. Recognize and celebrate small wins and achievements to maintain a sense of progress and positivity.

At a previous company, we went through a rough patch where everything seemed to be going wrong. To help keep everyone's heads up, I started a Friday shout-out email chain. Every week, anyone could shout out a teammate for something good they did, no matter how small. It was awesome to see their names pop up with a thank you for something they worked on. It really lifted their spirits and made us all want to keep pushing forward. Those little pats on the back reminded us that we were all in it together and each of us was making a difference.

A pat on the back goes a long way! I recently enjoyed myself a systematisation of celebrating achievements, no matter how big or small, and I would definitely take that with me in my next adventures. A weekly email, traditionally the last one you would get in your work week on a late Friday afternoon, gathered all compliments and praises from clients from the past few days, because yes, even a simple "Thank you, that's great" is often not read for what it is. Employees were also offered a spotlight in a company-wide biweekly event to give a shout-out to fellow team members they thought were particularly praiseworthy for their actions, whether or not they were project or business related!

In a challenging period where deadlines were tight, I made it a point to publicly acknowledge team members who went above and beyond. For instance, I sent out a heartfelt email thanking a colleague for their dedication to meeting a critical milestone under pressure. This recognition not only motivated the individual but also inspired others to strive for excellence. Positive reinforcement can help maintain motivation even during challenging times.

At my last job, our industry went through some big changes that threw a lot of our plans out of whack. Instead of sticking to the usual way of doing things, I encouraged everyone to think outside the box and come up with new strategies. We started using tools and methods we hadn't considered before, like collaborating more online. This shift wasn’t easy at first, but it made us more flexible and ready for whatever came next. It really showed me how being open to change is not just about getting through tough times but also about getting ready for the future.

This is particularly true for historically established and, let's say, traditional "one-man show" PR agencies. We are all working under the threat of AI and its potential consequences on our daily job. Keep an open mind and be ready to get out of your comfort zones and explore new skills where the human factor can still make a difference to multiply sources of income if you still want to be relevant a few years down the road. It is not easy, we all started working in PR for a different reason, and moving away from it doesn't feel natural. You might not be interested in influence marketing, you might not like the stress of organising events, you might not enjoy copywriting for hours, but exploring new ventures will ensure your survival.

When our project schedule changed unexpectedly, we all were upset as we all had too many things on our plate but I encouraged the team to see it as a chance to try new approaches. We brainstormed ideas together, which helped us find creative solutions and stay positive.

Crises são sobre as empresas, não sobre as pessoas. E pessoas em crise não são capazes de resolver situações adversas. Dessa forma, o apoio da liderança não é apenas a forma mais humana de lidar com as questões, mas também a mais efetiva para os negócios.

I haven't stolen it from Dr. Max Goodwin, but there is no better way for me to show support to my team than asking this simple question: "How can I help?". Don't come with solutions based on past experiences and force them onto your team. Don't assume you know how to handle a situation. Establish a dialogue, try and find a solution together and share valuable insights on pros and cons to make sure the final decision is an educated one that everybody can stand behind. Lead by example and show vulnerability: share your doubts and concerns, voice them so that others feel encouraged to speak up, be honest and empathetic in your approach. Come up with plans and scenarios, but don't make them about you: accept that they will be challenged.

In my team, we once faced a huge setback when we lost a major client. I gathered everyone for a meeting. Instead of just diving into damage control, I started by sharing how this loss affected me personally and professionally. I acknowledged the stress we all felt and reassured everyone that it's okay to feel upset about it. Then, I laid out a clear plan for moving forward. My team said that my openness at that time made everyone feel more connected and supported, and that it was reassuring to see me handle the situation with such care and to know I was with them every step of the way. This approach not only helped us regain our confidence but also motivated us to turn the situation around together.

During a period of uncertainty, I practised supportive leadership by regularly checking in with team members individually. I made myself available to discuss their concerns, offered guidance where needed, and reassured them of our collective ability to overcome obstacles together. This approach fostered a sense of trust and unity within the team during a challenging time. A supportive leadership style can significantly enhance team morale and motivation.

In a previous role, our team was going through a particularly stressful period, and everyone was pushing themselves really hard. When I noticed the strain, I decided to introduce 'Wellness Wednesdays' where we'd start the day with a group activity that wasn't work-related—sometimes yoga, other times just walking meetings. It was optional, but soon almost everyone was joining in. It really helped us disconnect, recharge, and feel more relaxed.

Always promote the importance of self-care and work-life balance. In a high-pressure project phase, I encourage my team members to prioritize self-care by emphasizing the importance of work-life balance. I shared personal strategies such as taking short breaks throughout the day and disconnecting from work during the evenings. By modelling self-care behaviours and encouraging others to do the same, I helped maintain morale and productivity while preventing burnout.

While being a supportive leader during crisis communications is vital for keeping up team morale, so is emphasizing continuous learning so that challenges transform into growth opportunities. Encouraging your team to reflect on what can be learned from each stage of the crisis - not just what to avoid, but what steps to implement next time - keeps your team engaged and far more prepared for the next (inevitable) crisis.

We work in a service industry, we adapt to evolving media landscapes, industry changes, and make bank on scouting trends and getting ahead. PR is one of the industries that symbolizes continuous learning. If we don't learn, from what is happening around us or our mistakes, we are irrelevant. If we are irrelevant, we die. It's as simple as that. Check out campaigns winning all the prizes we can win around the world. Keep a finger on the pulse of your end consumers. Understand the world you are living in beyond the scope of your daily job and your community, because you need to evolve with it. Don't blame AI, study it and take advantage of it! Those are only a few of the elements you can consider adding to your daily routine.