Move From Anxiety to Action with C.O.P.E. Techniques

It is hard to motivate employees, especially during tough economic times. They worry about losing their jobs, and this fear diverts their attention from producing at the levels needed to succeed.

In order to promote productivity, you need to help your employees figure out what to focus on and what actions to take. In my work, I’ve found that four powerful feelings help employees move from anxiety to action. These feelings include a sense of:

Control Optimism Purpose Engagement

Use the following tips to help your staff move from fear to positive COPE feelings.

1. Control

The out of control feelings people have over the state of our economy is a key reason why so many people are anxious and fearful. People don’t like to be out of control. Employees can better deal with the uncertainty if their managers help them regain the feeling of control.

It’s true that many parts of our current economy arte difficult to deal with, but there is really nothing to gain by worrying over something that is out of our control. It would be much more productive to concentrate on empowering your employees to improve productivity and customer service, specific areas that they do have an impact on and control.

As a leader, it may be necessary to relinquish some of your personal control to give your employees the empowerment they need to feel they are making decisions that will improve the company and their lives. A manager that tries to force their opinions on a staff will create nothing but suspicion and antipathy from their staff. It is critical that your employees are fully involved where they can make a difference.

2. Optimism

Optimism never fails as a key tactic of leaders throughout history in inspiring troops, transforming floundering companies and even revolutionizing nations.

To get the best out of your employees, you need them to be in a positive mindset, and it’s your job as a leader to inspire them. Research has shown that positive emotions like hope and optimism encourage creativity and innovation among your workforce, and these are exactly the qualities you need to build to cope with the downturn as best you can. If your employees approach problems with a “can-do” attitude, they are much more likely to find the solutions that your business needs.

3. Purpose

Day to day job duties typically do little to remind a worker of the reasons their work is important over the long run. Take opportunities to remind your staff that their work has great meaning to the overall success of the company. Even hearing a simple reminder that their work matters will invigorate them to up their performance level and take action.

According to the Sr. Vice President for North American Operations of H.B. Fuller, Jim Owens, senior management’s job is to be clear with the employees as to what goals they, and the company as a whole, should have, as well as to provide a positive way to achieve those goals. Jim stresses that it is critical for a manager to make sure the employees are not left to interpret their and the company’s purpose and fill in the blanks themselves.

4. Engagement

Engagement is the last remaining element of the COPE model. An employee who is engaged will pay attention to what is happening to the company as a whole and will want to be involved in seeing it succeed in the future. In addition, they firmly believe their role is key to helping the company to succeed over the long haul.

You help your employees to engage by giving them solid, active ways to find solutions to the challenges you face. When there is a problem in the company, give your staff the chance to participate in the brain-storming and problem solving sessions. Your employees will feel more in control, as well as giving you more ideas and possible solutions to propel your company to the next level!

Denver-based Sashco Sealants recently invited employees to submit cost-savings suggestions. The dozens of suggestions they received were shared in weekly “huddles” with representatives from each function and unit. Each team was encouraged to implement the ideas and then report back on results. The company is already reporting significant savings.

In summary, by following the COPE model, you can use positive, proactive leadership to get the best out of your employees, and to create a great workplace environment that breeds innovation, focus and productivity.

Wendy Mack is a professional advisor, trainer, and author focusing on leadership and change management. Contact Wendy at, or get her free e-book, Transforming Anxiety into Energy at www.WendyMack.com.