Working in public service has never been more challenging, and as a supervisor, you have the added pressure of leading a team through intense periods of disruption and change.
So, how can you communicate to the best of your ability when information is often limited or a state of in flux?
During the Supervisors Community of Practice session, Marley Schafer, Executive Coach & Consultant, shared her advice on relaying messages with confidence, reassurance and authority. Below are a few key takeaways from that session, as well as the session recording.
1. Why Transparency Matters
When information is incomplete or changing quickly, transparency can prevent a spiral of negativity. Marley explained that our brains are wired to remember negative information more than positive, which can fuel worry and misinformation. By being upfront — even when answers aren’t final — leaders can build trust and keep teams focused.
2. Showing Confidence Without Being Harsh
Confidence doesn’t mean pretending everything is easy. Marley emphasized the importance of self-care for leaders: “You can’t show up calm and present if you’re not taking care of yourself outside of work.” Acknowledging challenges while reassuring your team — “This is hard, but we’re navigating it” — strikes the right balance between authority and empathy.
3. Adapting to Different Communication Styles
With diverse teams and evolving technology, communication is more complex than ever. Marley suggested personalizing your approach by asking team members how they prefer updates — through polls, forms, or direct conversations. Experiment with written updates, verbal briefings, and Q&A sessions to find what works best for your team.
Leading in government today means staying adaptable, transparent, and empathetic. By prioritizing wellness, clear communication, and trust, supervisors can guide their teams through uncertainty with confidence.
Up Next? Our next virtual networking event, How to Handle Negativity and Naysayers, is Monday, Dec. 15. We hope to see you there!