Time flies -well it did until March 9 when suddenly the COVID-19 virus outbreak forced many people to work from home until further notice. Once my client work was sadly cancelled in March and April, time slowed down, way down. Recalling my sabbatical last summer, I realized that I have an opportunity to create my own life in this new environment, and so do you. During social isolation, we must intentionally connect with each other over distance to build and maintain our relationships. Leadership always has been critical in times of crisis, but leading virtually is different now according to Patrick Lencioni, author of the
"The Five Dysfunctions of a Team":
1)
Be exceedingly human.
Building trust is essential for a high-performing team. In a virtual environment, you can do that by admitting you don't know all the answers, you may be scared and you have challenges working from home as well. By being vulnerable, you build trust with others because you are showing that you are human. Consider encouraging people to share pictures of their new work companions like pets or family members or of their views from their office window.
2)
Be persistent.
For many people working from home full-time is new, and some people may also have family members at home 100 percent of the time as well. This presents difficulties with focus, productivity and connection. Your natural tendency may be to leave your team alone to work, but in reality, they need you more than ever. Instead be persistent with checking-in, being social and offering assistance. Use this opportunity to strengthen your relationships with your team.
3)
Be creative.
In a virtual environment, focus more on effectiveness than efficiency. Schedule different ways to connect. One idea is to have both check-ins and "check-outs." Perhaps your 5 minute daily stand-up meeting becomes a video check-in of what each team member will do that day and what they need; then at the end of the day, everyone gets to share what they accomplished and what changed throughout the day before signing off for the evening.
A whole new world requires a different way of thinking. Now more than ever leaders need to lean in, be supportive and be innovative. I'm optimistic that this crisis will elevate the way we are being human. I'm inspired by people's kindness, compassion and generosity. How are you impacted by the current crisis, and what can I do to help?
