In this second partial lockdown, more employees are working from home again. From my clients, I hear that it’s now more challenging than in the spring. Because it has been going on for so long and resilience seems to decrease. For leaders, it’s an even greater challenge to lead remotely (again). How do you maintain control? How do you keep the connection with your team? While not shying away from focusing on results and output?
Together with my clients, I also learn from this phase, this is new for me too. I share my insights here, and I hope you respond if you have any additions.
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Take care of yourself
Taking care of yourself is perhaps the most important condition for functioning well as a leader. Search – especially now – for your own balance and rhythm. How often and for how long are you productive behind your PC? How do you best alternate work and movement? When do you schedule breaks? Nobody performs better or more after a day of sitting behind the PC, on the contrary…
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Attention and involvement
Everyone needs attention and involvement, especially now. That means giving more attention to professionals who work independently and normally need little attention. The only important question is: “How are you doing?”.
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Give feedback
Feedback is, in my opinion, one of the most underestimated skills. Feedback is intended to correct behavior (negative feedback) or to confirm behavior (positive feedback). Even when leading remotely, it’s good to continue giving feedback. And everyone needs a compliment, especially in these times. That builds confidence and makes employees realize they’re on the right track. Read more about giving feedback here.
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Give trust.
“Trust is good, control is better” is a well-known saying. Control seems to keep you in control. Many leaders have had to give trust more quickly and (more) let go. Combine trust with clarity about expected objectives and results. If someone needs more guidance, tighten the reins a bit, then loosen them again.
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Set priorities
Priorities shift, especially when team members can no longer meet physically for discussions. As a leader, you can help your team members set different or new priorities. This helps them gain and maintain clarity. And employees benefit from clarity, which provides peace of mind and direction.
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Communicate more and be transparent
To keep the connection optimal and know what’s going on, it helps to communicate more. Variety in communication methods is also important: calling or online. Transparency is even more important now that employees see each other physically less or not at all. Share more as a leader about what’s going on, what you’re working on, any special circumstances, etc. Think about how you can be maximally transparent.
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Be creative
What else can you do now that you’re leading remotely? Especially now that the usual office encounters are gone, like the “coffee machine moment” or the Friday afternoon drinks. I hear very original ideas coming up. Also, ask your employees what they need and the best time to organize something. Be creative. Think of a virtual drink, a (pub) quiz, a challenge, etc.
Do you have suggestions that I can learn from? Let me know.
Would you like to read more about leading your team or organization? Then read my books: “My Best Team Ever! In 7 Steps to Golden Leadership” and “In 10 Steps Grip on Growth and Capriciousness. Aim for Better Business Results and Avoid Expensive Pitfalls.”
