In emotionally charged times, strong leaders adopt flexible strategies to help teams stay focused and grounded. Here are five ways leaders can support employees through change and uncertainty — or any time outside events disrupt the workplace. 473 ~ 2 min. read Managing teams through stressful news cycles, like after an election, can test any leader’s flexibility and empathy. While current events are often beyond your control, how you respond as a leader can significantly impact your team’s morale and productivity. Here are five effective strategies to lead with clarity and empathy in emotionally charged environments. 1. Acknowledge the Climate Ignoring external pressures like election results or significant news events can alienate employees. Instead, create a space where your team feels seen by acknowledging the collective emotional tension. Starting a team meeting with a short, empathetic acknowledgement —“I know this week has been intense for many of us”—can set a tone of understanding. Harvard Business Review notes that leaders who recognize their team’s emotional state foster stronger team cohesion and resilience. 2. Promote Flexibility and Autonomy High-stress periods often affect employees’ focus and availability. Offering flexible scheduling options, whether that means remote work or adjusted hours, can reduce stress and empower team members to manage their time more effectively. Research from Forbes suggests that employees with greater autonomy during challenging times experience higher job satisfaction and lower anxiety, contributing positively to overall productivity. 3. Encourage Open Communication Create an open dialogue by regularly checking in with team members individually and collectively. Encourage team members to voice concerns, not just about work but also about how current events may be affecting them. Leaders who normalize these conversations foster a psychologically safe environment where employees feel supported and respected. 4. Model Emotional Resilience Demonstrate calmness and resilience to help your team navigate uncertainty. Displaying emotional steadiness encourages employees to mirror these behaviors. Additionally, showing a healthy approach to stress—by openly discussing positive coping mechanisms—sets an example for managing emotions productively. Studies published by Inc. suggest that employees often mimic the emotional cues of their leaders , making it crucial for managers to exemplify balanced reactions. 5. Refocus on Purpose and Values In times of anxiety, reconnecting employees with the organization’s mission can help ground their focus. Reinforcing the team’s shared goals and values can remind employees of the broader purpose behind their work. This strategy not only strengthens commitment but also promotes resilience as it refocuses energy from external events back to collective goals. Final Thoughts In times of high external stress, flexibility, empathy, and clear communication are critical leadership qualities. By acknowledging the emotional climate and prioritizing open support, leaders can help their teams remain engaged and resilient, no matter what’s happening in the world outside. These strategies are invaluable for any organization committed to fostering a compassionate and adaptive workplace culture.  --- The Leavenworth-Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike. The Chamber has been granted license to publish this content provided by Chamber Today, a service of ChamberThink Strategies LLC.

If you’re the typical small business owner, you began your business with an exciting idea, a passion. No one goes into business thinking, “I can’t wait to work on cash flow challenges.” And yet, cash flow is one of the top reasons businesses close their doors. It’s not that they aren’t making money. It’s that managing it is not everyone’s skill set. Money management challenges are one of the most critical areas you need to master to be successful. This article is here to provide general information. Consult a financial planner or tax professional for more long-term solutions. 5 Money Management Tips for Better Business Here are some of the key issues and ways to address them: Cash Flow Management Many small businesses struggle with maintaining consistent cash flow. This can lead to difficulty paying bills, making payroll, or investing in growth opportunities. You might have the money promised to you on paper, but not knowing when it will come in can be a challenge. Businesses at every level can be impacted by this so it takes consistent monitoring. To improve cash flow: · Create detailed cash flow forecasts and monitor them regularly. · Encourage timely customer payments by offering incentives or implementing stricter payment terms. Enforce those terms and send out reminder invoices. · Negotiate favorable payment terms with suppliers. · Maintain a cash reserve for unexpected expenses or slow periods. According to a JPMorgan study of 597,000 small businesses, 25% held a reserve covering fewer than 13 days of expenses if other revenue dried up. Budgeting and Expense Tracking Small businesses often lack robust budgeting practices and struggle to track expenses effectively. If this feels like you, consider: · Creating a detailed, realistic budget and review it regularly. · Using accounting software (or an app) to automate expense tracking and generate accurate reports. · Separating personal and business finances to avoid confusion. Your accountant will appreciate it. · Assessing finances and adjusting budgets regularly as needed. Debt Management Taking on too much debt or mismanaging existing debt can be detrimental to small businesses. COVID brought on unparalleled times. One thing we learned from it is that you must be prepared for the known challenges and the unknown ones. To manage debt more effectively: · Be cautious about taking on unnecessary debt · Prioritize paying off high-interest debts first · Consider consolidating multiple loans to simplify repayments · Build and maintain a good business credit score Tax Compliance Many small businesses underestimate the importance of tax planning and compliance. To improve in this area: · Work with a tax professional to stay on top of obligations and deadlines. If you don’t know a reputable one, check with the chamber. · Regularly set aside money for taxes. · Stay informed about tax laws and possible deductions. Financial Planning and Analysis Small businesses often lack the time or expertise for thorough financial analysis and planning. It’s likely something that’s best outsourced to a pro. Again, if you don’t know one, check with the chamber. To enhance financial management: · Understand and regularly review key financial statements including the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. It’s boring, but beneficial. · Use financial management software to automate repetitive tasks and generate insights. · Establish financial protocols and plans, no matter how small your business is. Doing so early will put you on the path to success. · Regularly assess your business's financial performance and adjust strategies accordingly. If you don’t have the money to work with professionals right now, talk to your chamber, SCORE chapter, and SBA. There are many low-cost options to help you get on the right track for long-term success. --------------- Christina Metcalf is an author and speaker who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and grow a loyal customer/member base. Christina loves road trips and hates exclamation points. She is also the author of The Glinda Principle, finding the magic within . _______________________________________ Medium: @christinametcalf Facebook: @tellyourstorygetemtalking Instagram: @christinametcalfauthor LinkedIn: @christinagsmith