We’re not cops: Monitoring and correcting behavior.

Remember who the enemy is. Because of human to human transmission, we are all newly sensitive to human interaction in a way we never have been before. Legitimate concern about contact can morph into a suspicion and fear of others. Remember and remind your team that we are in this fight together; we are not against each other but against the virus. We are wearing masks and keeping distant as much for the benefit of others as for ourselves. And like a team, we all need to contribute and sometimes constructively remind one another to pull our weight.

Remind everyone that we won’t get it perfect right away. With that seed planted, explain that you have designated department heads or other people in leadership positions to provide oversight for the first few weeks until everyone gets the hang of it. But empower everyone to take a role in helping the whole team stay on track.

Stress that while we need each other to act responsibly, we also need to be considerate of each other. Everyone is dealing with anxiety and worry. We need to be kind to each other and that includes not getting bent out of shape if someone isn’t following protocol. We will all forget to do something the new way at some point, so if you get called out on it, thank the person and don’t take it personally. On the other side, when you see someone not wearing a mask or getting too close or touching something they shouldn’t, try not to get angry and shame them. Treat them like you would want to be treated. Shaming only makes a rift. It’s divisive. We are fighting the virus. Let’s not fight each other.

Creating a cooperative environment should help keep people on track with following guidelines. There may be examples of flagrant violations. Let everyone know at the outset, that this type of willful breach will not be tolerated and detail clearly the ramifications of such actions.