Kids

This past month has been a doozie! We’ve been recruiting new volunteers like crazy, leading orientations, training, screening, apprenticing…you know what I’m talking about.

There have been several end of the school year events like BabyD and Family Birthday Celebration. And, we have been getting ready for summer programming changes. For us, this means a new set, video elements, theme designs, and t-shirts.

It gets a little crazy!

People get stressed!

There are a few specific qualities that I see our team put into practice again and again when the workload is heavy and the deadlines are tight. Here’s what it takes to make it through when the pressure is on.

Make a plan. Set aside time and make a list of everything that needs to be done. Decide the best people and the best way to get it done. Define the limiting factors (budget, timeline, availability of people).

Buckle down. Hard work is the name of the game. There are times for rest and times for taking long lunch breaks. Now is not the time! Prepare your team for this period of time and help them realize that everyone needs to give more.

Remove distractions. As the leader, you can help your team focus. Remove things that cause your team to come off of the job at hand. This could be regular meetings that need to come off of the calendar for a week. This could be routine tasks that can be postponed.

Keep it fun. Fun fuels hard work. Yes, you all might be in a room for the next six hours sorting and rolling t-shirts. But make a game out of it. Start a competition. Talk smack! Play music. Whatever it takes to keep it light.

Keep it short-term. Nobody can or should work at this high-pressured pace all of the time. Be sure that as the leader you know and communicate the end. Your team is willing to give 110% when they see the light at the end of the tunnel.

We all know that there are times that require “all hands on deck” to get the job done. As the leader, it’s your job to model how to do this in a healthy way. Jump in. Work right alongside your team. Pay attention to the morale of your team. Encourage and praise their hard work!

When you’ve reached the goal take a deep breath, return to a healthy pace, and celebrate your team for a job well done!