It might feel such as many businesses might be facing a crisis or series of crises at this time, with the global outlook changing by the day and every business doing what it has to do to stay afloat. Do not feel alone, businesses both in Myanmar and around the world are feeling their own unique struggles. There is no doubt and there is no denying, there will be some rough times ahead for most businesses wherever they’re located.

But as much as companies will be looking at their customers to make sure that they’re happy, don’t forget that line workers are looking up to C-Level management and directors to provide steadiness and guidance during any period of turbulence. Without a steady grounding under a company and their employee’s feet, how will sales and management be able to speak with the clients?

Here are five key tips to keep in mind while navigating uncertainty.

1. Act in a way that would make your mother, your children, or your mentor proud.

Do the right thing. You cannot talk your way out of circumstances that you behave yourself into. Pretend like you have the people you care about most watching how you conduct yourself at work – would they be happy with what they see?

2. Tell the truth and tell it quickly. Never lie.

Don’t risk having to push against the tide of others’ opinions and fake news. Don’t turn allies into enemies. Don’t make reports/social media influencers into heroes on your lies or cover ups. The truth will come to light, don’t be on the wrong side of it.

3. Treat your employees right.

Keep all employees superbly informed. Stop repeating how much you care about their welfare; show them. Examples of this could be, insurances about health care coverage, shorter/fewer meetings, trust them to work remotely without micromanaging, take extra steps for masks or protective gear during the current health crisis.

4. Bolster your crisis preparation and response organization-wide. Now.

Use your organization’s values as your guide. Keep approaches aligned with shifting conditions. Don’t stop with the view from up top/headquarters. Involve representative employees across levels, functions, and locations throughout your organization.

5. Support messengers of bad news.

The earlier you hear about a threat, the easier (and cheaper) it is to respond. Open simple access and processes for employees and key external stakeholders to report concerns and problems. Listen intently. If HR or management has to deliver bad news, support them too.

Remember, employees look to how management handles themselves for calm and for inspiration. Leading the business is critical, and with the above five tactics, one would be well on their way to having the support of the entire organization.

*Repurposed with permission from Dr. Christine Pearson, an expert who has three decades of experience in the field of crisis management.