Strategies for Supporting a Distracted Team

During intense news cycles, like U.S. election week, managers often find leading effectively challenging. In 2020, when election results took days to confirm, many employees struggled to stay focused and even experienced sleep disruptions. This is likely to be true again during the upcoming election period. Leaders like Liz and Mollie recall how challenging it was to support their teams, especially when so many people felt emotionally invested in the outcome.

In high-stress times, leaders can ease anxiety by practicing flexibility and empathy. Here are five approaches emotionally intelligent managers can use to help their teams navigate distraction, uncertainty, and stress.

1. Resist the Urge to “Fix” Everything.
When the news is overwhelming, a manager’s role should be to ensure that work doesn’t amplify stress. Anxious managers may be tempted to flood their teams with tasks or updates, adding to existing tension. Psychologists call this behaviour “anxious fixing”—taking on unnecessary tasks to feel a sense of control, which often leads to exhaustion and frustration for employees. It’s easy to misinterpret written messages when anxiety is high, so keep communication clear and measured. Instead of diving into busyness, acknowledge the discomfort and avoid overloading your team.

2. Share Updates, Even When There’s Nothing New.
When people are anxious, rumours can spread quickly. Stay ahead of potential anxieties by keeping communication open, even if that means acknowledging that there’s nothing new to report. For instance, if you’re waiting on feedback for an internal survey and it’s delayed due to election-related distractions, let your team know the reason for the delay and give an estimate for when the data will be ready. As long as you’re not over-communicating, regular updates help prevent speculation and create a sense of transparency and stability.

3. Provide a Stable Focus on Priorities.
Clear priorities reduce confusion, helping your team to channel their energy into meaningful tasks rather than falling into the distractions of the day. Outline two or three key tasks for the week to help everyone understand where to focus. When people lack direction, they may turn to busy work or spend more time scrolling through news updates. Make it easy for them to see their contributions to larger goals, which can be stabilizing in uncertain times. For instance, remind the team of a top priority, like preparing for an executive event, to guide their efforts.

4. Stay Informed to Prepare for Team Dynamics.
By staying up-to-date on news, you can better anticipate your team’s mood or possible concerns. Major news changes can affect team members’ emotions, so knowing what’s happening allows you to provide support, whether by offering flexibility in tasks, addressing concerns in 1:1 meetings, or sharing your feelings in a team setting. Acknowledge your distraction, if appropriate, and encourage team members to share how they’re doing. Additionally, coordinate with HR to understand available resources, such as mental health support or employee resource groups.

5. Expect and Plan for a Productivity Slowdown.
Accept that high-stress events will impact focus and performance. Adjust expectations to accommodate this temporary dip, and if your manager hasn’t addressed it, raise the topic by asking if plans should be adjusted for the week. Acknowledging and planning for the disruption, rather than trying to maintain typical productivity levels, can help everyone feel supported and better prepared for the week ahead.