Team Cohesion
Many TANF administrators, managers, and supervisors are facing new challenges as they quickly adapt to remote work and virtual service delivery amid the pandemic to ensure the health and safety of individuals and families. Newly introduced virtual platforms and processes will likely enable staff to work remotely at least part of the time going forward. Research shows that socially cohesive teams with strong social ties, interpersonal connection, and commitment to each are more apt to navigate the challenges that come with sudden change. Additionally, camaraderie experienced with socially cohesive teams can ease members’ feelings of uncertainty.
This brief is part of the Roadmap Series of the Office of Family Assistance’s PeerTA network. By leveraging knowledge across the TANF field to share tips and resources, this series highlights responsive leadership and management practices to support the TANF agencies and their partners in adapting to new ways of work and connection amid the pandemic.
Compassionate Leadership
TANF program leadership are guiding their staff through an unprecedented, rapidly changing time. These circumstances may increase the likelihood staff are facing secondary traumatic stress, or compassion fatigue. Now, more than ever, it is essential for managers and senior leadership to emotionally connect with their staff, show care and concern, and encourage them to take care of themselves and their clients. Studies show that compassionate leadership can improve staff’s job satisfaction, commitment towards the organization, and likelihood of expressing compassion towards one another. By leading with compassion, program leadership can strengthen the ability of teams to thrive amid complex change.
This brief is part of the Roadmap Series of the Office of Family Assistance’s PeerTA network. By leveraging knowledge across the TANF field to share tips and resources, this series highlights responsive leadership and management practices to support the TANF agencies and their partners in adapting to new ways of work and connection amid the pandemic.
Staying Connected
In this era of staying physically distant from one another, staying socially connected can be especially hard. Social or physical distancing measures across the country have increased the likelihood that individuals may be experiencing feelings of isolation, disconnection, and loneliness, as many people often long for social connection to their colleagues, friends, and family. Physical distancing can be especially difficult for those working hard to keep others safe, protected, nourished, and healthy. Social energy levels and personal needs can fluctuate day-to-day, so it is important to cultivate different modes of connection using technology, community-mindedness, and media.
This brief is part of the Roadmap Series of the Office of Family Assistance’s PeerTA network. By leveraging knowledge across the TANF field to share tips and resources, this series highlights responsive leadership and management practices to support the TANF agencies and their partners in adapting to new ways of work and connection amid the pandemic.