Leaders in the paperboard packaging industry face complexity and tough decision-making on a daily basis—even without a global pandemic on our hands. In light of COVID-19, add to their responsibilities the safety of their people and the need to keep operating, making sure that packaged goods get to the consumers who need them.
PPC’s New Generation Leaders (NGL) group recently gathered virtually to address these new challenges and share what they’re learning each and every day about leadership. Guided by Kerry Brown, Director of Operation and Curtis Packaging, the group identified four areas that every leader should consider today.
Keep Informed
With information changing daily, sometimes hourly, our leaders have found it crucial to gather as much information from as many sources as possible. These sources might include the management team, key stakeholders, suppliers, customers, industry, state and local governments, and the CDC. We recommend keeping an eye on PPC’s COVID-19 Resources page for updates as well.
Act Decisively, Communicate Openly
Despite all of the information out there, it’s also important for leaders to avoid analysis-paralysis. “Decisiveness is key, communication is crucial,” said John Pettus of Wikoff Color Corporation during the event. By making decisions, avoiding ambiguity, and communicating transparently, you can create a sense of trust and safety for your people.
Employees are looking to you for answers as well as support, so create an open line of communication that welcomes feedback. Many of the leaders on our call have found that keeping a regular schedule for updates has helped in bringing a sense of comfort and consistency to workers.
Address Employee Concerns with Empathy
“We address all employees with a grateful heart and appreciation,” said Kip Snowdon of Joe Piper, Inc. during the NGL session. Others echoed this sentiment, which boils to down to staying human even during these times when anxiety might run high. A great leader indeed remains empathetic and communicates that they too are affected by what is happening. And from that point, a leader can publicly acknowledge that everyone is dealing with this crisis on an individual basis and processing the information about our rapidly changing world differently. Following the line of transparent communications, make sure employees feel safe by helping them to understand the new policies that will protect them—and meet their concerns with compassion.
Revisit (or Create) Your Business Continuity Plan
Our leaders agreed that things aren’t going back to normal. We’re entering a “new normal,” and the business practices implemented during COVID-19 will likely to remain afterward. Now is the time to revise or create a business continuity plan, identifying new or alternative resources to keep your company running. As Simon Schaefer from Case Paper remarked, “Who knew that we would be most worried about getting adequate cleaning supplies?” The group also agreed that it’s a good time to look for opportunities within the crisis and to utilize technologies that help may help in the “new normal.”
Click here to learn more about PPC’s engaged group of New Generation Leaders. For more NGL virtual events, check paperbox.org/events.