Thrive During Stressful Times

When companies are busy and short staffed, tempers can be short. While these conditions are often temporary, what matters is that everyone remembers that they all are wearing the same company logo – the same jerseys. Every department is like a unit on the field. Some are on offense, others defend, and some focus on special teams. You should also consider the strength of your bench – the ones learning the ropes who aren't quite ready for the first team yet.

Leading these overworked teams isn't easy. When everyone's stretched thin, personalities can clash and egos can flare, sometimes overshadowing why they all there in the first place – to keep the business moving forward and meet the needs of the customer. You're not trying to crush your competitors on the friendly field of strife; you're just trying to make it through each day without dropping the ball.

What Defines Success?

Is staying afloat the win, or is it the result of managing chaos effectively? Focus on handling the essentials right – even when you're short-handed – and the rest will follow. Consider these fundamentals: Are you finding ways to work smarter when the odds are stacked against you? Are you making life easier for your colleagues who are also drowning in work? Remember, in a stretched organization, you're both serving and depending on your coworkers. Ask yourself honestly: "Am I making things harder or easier for others?" Better yet, ask your overwhelmed teammates directly. Their answers might sting, but they'll help align your critical customer-facing teams – sales, customer service, and operations – who are all trying to keep their heads above water

No Coasting

When I coached ice hockey, each shift on the ice demanded a full effort. Gliding or coasting was discouraged as everyone had to keep up. In today's understaffed workplace, while managers can't always see who's pulling their weight, it becomes obvious in the results. Sales numbers tell their story. Project deadlines either hit or miss. Production metrics reveal the truth. The people you want on your team during these tough times are those who naturally give their all, regardless of who's watching. Your mission: Ensure every person wearing your company's badge is ready for this intensity.

Clear Communication is Critical

You get what you accept or what you tolerate. When resources are tight, crystal-clear expectations become your lifeline. Make absolutely certain everyone understands their priorities – especially when there's more work than hands to do it. Even then, you'll face challenges, but at least you can focus on addressing specific issues: whether someone needs support, reassignment, or ultimately, might not be cut out for this pressure cooker environment.

The Bottom Line

Even in chaos, strategy matters. Reviewing how your stretched team works together isn't just important – it's survival. In today's demanding market, helping your overworked staff maintain consistency (and a sense of humor) while juggling multiple priorities is crucial for staying afloat and eventually thriving again. Start making these adjustments today and keep me posted on your progress through the storm.

Mike Philie can help validate what’s working and what may need to change in your business. Changing the trajectory of a business is difficult to do while simultaneously operating the core competencies. Mike provides strategy and insight to ambitious owners and CEOs in the Graphic Communications Industry by providing direct and realistic insight, not being afraid to voice the unpopular opinion and helping leaders navigate change through a common sense and practical approach. Learn more at www.philiegroup.com, LinkedIn or email at mphilie@philiegroup.com.