Communication During Unprecedented Times
By: Rachel Teichberg, CVPM

Here we are, living through an unprecedented time as the world has been turned upside down, the future is uncertain, and the tension is high. People are stressed, afraid, worried, and exhausted. Our minds are all over the place, feeling the overwhelm of information while trying to navigate this ever-changing landscape of COVID-19.

This is new territory for everyone but let me be the one to tell you: YOU’RE DOING GREAT. It may not feel like it, but I promise that you are. You’re showing up, you're minding your distance, and you’re thinking about your employees, your business and, of course, your patients. You want what’s best for everyone and that may mean making a lot of immediate temporary changes.

Be a Source of Quality Information

  During this time, your communication skills are going to have to take the wheel. I know that it may feel like communication overload these days between the news, social media, and our inbox, but it’s important to provide resources and information about COVID-19 to your team. Do not assume everyone is getting quality news from legitimate sources. You don’t need to be an expert but provide the links and resources that can help them keep themselves and their families safe. Consider sites such as the CDC, AVMA, WHO and your local VMA. Information is being updated as the situation progresses, so continue to monitor them regularly.