The Value of Transparent Communication in times of crisis

There is a lot that we simply do not know in the world today. In fluid situations, we find ourselves (willingly or unwillingly) with a need to have more flexible boundaries, to pivot, to shift priorities and adjust plans. In the workplace, many of us are operating under Plan G after four months of the current pandemic. In our households, many have exhausted the alphabet at this stage in the game. 

Despite the uncertainty, however, there are strategies we can utilize to remain steadfast communicators during a time of crisis that can bring a sense of stability to a world that is floundering around us. What may surprise you is that not all of these strategies are actually directly related to communication. Some of these strategies have to do with improving yourself and your daily rhythms in order to bring enough clarity to the table to discuss. 

Here, we will discuss strategies for (and the value of) transparent communication in two parts. First, what can we do to arrive at a sense of clarity and stability within ourselves? Next, once that clarity is achieved, what does it look like to communicate it to those who matter most?

Cultivating Clarity in a Changing world

 To cultivate clarity in a changing world, we must first do that which is hardest - look within. There are a few ways to get a grip on what's currently going on in your day-to-day. What patterns have emerged since this quarantine began? How are you coping? How are you healing? For some of us, the changes have occurred so rapidly and yet so subtly that we know not what we do or what we have done to lead us to where we are today. Here are a few simple ways that you can become more introspective and "notice what you're noticing," as my favorite yoga instructor says.

1. Keep a time log. This may make the most sense for those of you who tend to think in a more linear manner, or who have cumbersome jobs that are currently occurring from home. You can take a tech-savvy approach, such as utilizing an Excel spreadsheet, or you might just use an old notebook to set up a time log M-F for 15 or 30-minute segments of time throughout the day. Then, jot down what you do as the day progresses. How do you spend your initial waking hours? What is your workday rhythm or routine? How do you wind down at the end of the day? How (or where) are you nurturing your soul? 
2. Journal. That's right, folks. We are going to use this word as a verb today. If a more linear way of thinking isn't your jam, commit to jotting down your daily rhythms and routines in a brief journal that you update at the beginning and/or end of each day. Pay specific attention to how different parts of the day make you feel. Did you wake up rested or exhausted? Reflect on your morning routine. Did the work day leave you fulfilled or depleted? Did you experience a burst of energy or an afternoon slump? Pay attention to who you're speaking to, what you're eating, and how you're hydrating throughout the day. Write it all down. It doesn't need to be fancy. It just needs to be done.
3. Meditate. Or practice yoga. Or simply find a way to get quiet and just breathe. When we take time to quiet our minds, God often reveals to us information about the state of our very souls. Take notice in the silence. Call on God to lead you to what He's calling you to see.

Once you have take some time to reflect on the state of your soul, some changes to your daily rhythms and routines may become more obvious. For example, you might find that you are waking up feeling depleted before your day even begins. You might realize that you aren't drinking any water to start your day, or that you simply wake up and drag yourself immediately to work. You might consider implementing a morning routine such as The Miracle Morning or simply making a nourishing smoothie the night before so you have breakfast ready when you hop out of bed. If you feel agitated after the work day and short with your children or spouse, perhaps you need a work day shutdown routine to support the transition from work to home. Maybe you incorporate a walk or a yoga session to dissect the time in between. Whatever you determine, make changes that provide you the chance to achieve greater mental clarity in your day-to-day. You can't communicate effectively with a fuzzy brain just like you can't give from an empty cup. 
​

Communicating Clarity to your Constituents

Now, let me be the first to tell you, just because you are working on improving your mental acuity does NOT mean you are going to arrive at a state of Nirvana and have all the answers your greater community needs to hear. In fact, it will probably not be that at all. Just because your mental clarity has started to improve does not mean that the pandemic has subsided or the political climate has calmed or that your kids have suddenly stopped smacking each other upside the head. You may not even have better answers today than you did yesterday. But what you do have is the ability to better communicate with clarity and competence. Let's take a look at how.

1. Admit you don't know. Say what? No, this was the first bullet point with intention. When it's obvious to your community that there is no way to know (because you don't have the guidance from local leaders or when an executive order has yet to be deciphered by your legal team), it's okay to say - gasp - I don't know. Believe it or not, your community does not expect you to have all the answers. In fact, that's not even why they put you in charge. Instead, in a time of crisis, your community wants (and craves) the truth. You will research. You will investigate. You are working on it and you will have an answer by x date. Don't project false confidence and unwarranted aplomb. What people are really seeking is your competence and, shockingly, the truth. 
2. Provide as much information with as much clarity as possible. If you have a lot of information to disseminate, consider the format. Will a visual give them better understanding than words? If you have something emotionally charged to deliver, is a video message a better way to portray the true sentiment behind your message than a multi-paragraph email not everyone might read? (The answer, folks, is YES.) Something that has rang true for us as a school community is that parents already have too much information from the news, social media, their spouse, their family and (begrudgingly) their friends. Instead of a 30-page re-opening plan for schools, we gave them the nitty gritty in a 10-minute video message and highlighted the bullet points in the body of the email. For further information, they can consult protocols and FAQs posted on our website. Consider your audience. What do they need to know? Save the "nice to know" information for another format at another time.
3. Seek input. A lack of connection can be sorely felt in the virtual world if we don't make explicit time to nurture our relationships. Send a brief morning message to your community and ask for a 30-second check-in response in return. How are you doing? What information are you lacking? How can I be a better support for you during this time? What are you most excited about as we xyz? This creates value and fosters a sense of community when many people feel that their voices have been lost.

Cultivating clarity within ourselves allows us to become more effective communicators when it matters most. Do some soul work. Then, say what you know. Admit what you don't. Don't forego competence for false confidence. It's okay to be a human, but be willing to a be a human who is humble enough to dig in and do the work. Your entire community will thank you.