With the COVID-19 developments occurring around the globe, connecting with staff, customers, colleagues and family will change. It must. But only temporarily. I write this blog from my home office which I set up 18 months ago. It's how I work now. Many workplaces have made a conscience decision to direct staff to work from home. Remote working is standard practice for some but not for others.
There has been no better time in history to leverage these remote work practices. Technology makes it easier in some ways. But the leadership challenges remain there. They can often magnify. So what do transformational leaders do when connection is limited?
1. Build trust. Reach out to each staff member individually. Understand their own situation. Ask questions. Share how you are dealing with the changes. Look out for each other. Be human. Be authentic.
2. Communicate expectations. How will work be delivered? Be clear and be open to feedback. Staff are adjusting, customers even more. Use direct and broad based communication platforms to help set the rhythm of your organisation.
3. Connect often. Share your experiences and thoughts regularly. Schedule work group calls to focus on urgent issues and work progress. Use informal calls for wellbeing check ins. Don't forget your customers. Emails, blogs, 1-1 calls, social media posts will help them understand how your organisation is responding to the changing environment. Be direct and concise.
4. Leverage technology. Offer customers advice on how to best use the available technology platforms to connect with their customers. Help create a response plan. Lead the way. Words speak, actions shout. Always deliver value.
5. Sharpen focus. In times of intense change, information will be abundant. Information will range in accuracy. Filter the most appropriate to process and pass through. Maintain focus on the work necessary to sustain the business. Play the long game.
6. Practice self care. All leaders will feel more pressure through these times. Besides implementing good physical health protocols, raise efforts on personal wellbeing. Reach out to peers. You may find your work day extending beyond usual hours. Define time out during the day. Breaks are critical. Share your strategies with your team. Family and friends are there for you too.
Keep it simple. Some days you will feel like you're 'drinking from a fire hose'. Despite the information overload, you control your actions. Manage expectations. Leverage connections. Share your experiences.
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