This article is written by Olav Kjellevold Olsen, Associate Professor at the University of Bergen. He is a former military officer, and has a Msc in theology and a PhD in psychology. His focus is on leadership and cooperation in high-risk organizations and teams.
In the following, I propose eight simple strategies that may help. The first three are related to how you think about the situation, because how you think influences how you feel about things.
Remember that while it is ok to not be ok, “ok” and “not ok” are not emotions. It is important to understand how you feel and have a more accurate sense of your emotions to be able to address them appropriately.
Psychologist Susan David shares ways on how to better understand your emotions. This list may help you identify how you feel:
By using this list you can make sense and accept your feelings. Here are some strategies to deal with them:
1. Think positive and remain hopeful.
Remember – this will not go on forever. Remind yourself and your colleagues that this situation will eventually change for the better.
2. Try to find a sense of meaning in these struggles.
Without your efforts on board, the future of the company and the many families depending on the performance of the company would be in jeopardy. What you do and endure now matters to many!
3. Do not worry too much about things that you cannot do anything about.
This only creates stress and bad sleep. Try instead to distract yourself from worries and find alternative things to think about – f.ex. by playing games, read, work out, plan a nice holiday, or barbecue with colleagues.
The next advice are related to social factors: things that you should give or receive from other people that may strengthen you.
4. Help – or receive help – from colleagues.
If you deal with everything alone, you become vulnerable. On the other hand, you can endure and cope with anything if you are surrounded with people who care and support you. This requires that you pay attention to each other. It may come in terms of practical help, as encouragements or just being someone to talk to on a rough day. Ask for and receive support from others, and be willing to give to others if needed.
5. Say thank you.
Motivate your colleagues by showing that they are appreciated, and that what they do matter. Their efforts on board are not taken for granted.
6. Try to maintain a positive atmosphere.
Remember that frustration and negative feelings are very contagious and may inflict an extra burden on your colleagues. Manage your frustrations constructively.
The last two advice are related to leadership. A challenging situation on board requires an active, visible, and relationship-oriented leadership.
7. Recognize that the situation on board may be very challenging for the crew and monitor closely the current situation in terms of strain and atmosphere.
Do this by listening and talking well with the crew daily. Motivate foremost by showing care, while still maintaining high-performance expectations. Encourage openness among the crew by cultivating the ship as a safe space where anyone can share anything without worrying about being judged.
8. Handle conflicts constructively – in time.
Conflicts are a normal reaction to an uncommon and challenging situation like this. But if not dealt with, they may poison the atmosphere on board. This includes an ability to perceive conflicts at an early stage, and early interventions. For example, by talking through the problems, and making necessary adjustments.
