To navigate internal dynamics during shipping delays and high stress, communicate transparently about the situation, prioritize tasks to manage workloads, and encourage collaboration to share responsibilities. Maintain a calm and positive demeanor to inspire confidence, and provide support by acknowledging stress and offering practical solutions like additional resources or flexible schedules. Recognize the team’s efforts to boost morale and, once the issue is resolved, evaluate the situation to identify gaps and prevent future delays. By fostering clear communication, empathy, and teamwork, you can maintain cohesion and effectively manage challenges.

Share information about the delays, their root causes, and any potential solutions with the entire team. Encourage open and honest communication. Listen attentively to each team member's concerns and perspectives. Create a clear action plan to address the identified issues and prevent future delays.

One Time at Work: During a peak shipping season, unexpected delays caused immense stress within our team, leading to communication breakdowns and conflicts. My Experience: I noticed team members were overwhelmed and productivity was declining. To address this, I initiated a team huddle where everyone could voice concerns. This not only diffused tension but also helped identify root issues. Solution: I established clear priorities, reassigned tasks to balance workloads, and scheduled regular check-ins to provide updates. Additionally, I encouraged a positive work culture by acknowledging individual efforts. These steps fostered collaboration, improved morale, and enabled us to manage the delays effectively.

Open Communication: Keep team informed, encourage dialogue. Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Find solutions, share workload. Team Support: Create a supportive environment, encourage open expression, recognize efforts. Prioritize Well-being: Encourage breaks, consider flexible arrangements. Lead by Example: Remain calm, demonstrate positive attitude, show empathy.

In my experience I witnessed this scenario hundreds o times (every one can recall the pandemics effects, for example). As a leader, it is your role to set the dynamics on track. Absorb the main issues of the team, avocating them fpr you, and release your team to focus on the possible solutions. To relief them of the stress, the leader shall take the front with the customers and main partners, while rebuilding the cadence and best flow of provcesses. It is a matter of leadership.