Leading remote teams, particularly during uncertain times, forces leaders to elevate their game around connecting, communicating, being productive and remaining positive.
The sustained nature of this remote working environment has moved past virtual happy hours and daily check-in calls to build a positive culture. Continuing to lead remote teams is now forcing leaders to elevate their culture-building creativity and skills.
Before to the current pandemic, an intact team had prior connections and a shared history once they went remote. As your team evolves you might not have as much relational equity to draw upon.
So, how do you build and nurture a positive team culture today and moving forward?
This truism prevents complacency during good times and instills hope during tough times.
I originally wrote the the attached report 2001 to address how to lead in an economic downturn, then I revised it in 2008. Well, 2020 seems to be singing the same song to leaders.
There are three common responses to change with corresponding effective responses:
Communication is typically the lowest scoring topic on any climate or culture survey. It has been that way for decades. During times of crisis or disruptive change like now, leaders are required to elevate their communication game to keep their teams focused, connected and productive.
These 5 C's of crisis communication serve as a checklist for leaders:
Last week, a friend, Blair Franklin, shared some compelling thoughts on Linked In. With his permission, I am sharing them with you today. Blair is President and CEO of Ameripipe Supply, Inc.
Here's what he had to say....
"The tenor and content of our conversations today matter more than ever.
Here are 5 hard questions I’m asking myself this morning about the way I communicate. Share these if you believe they may help us be more positive with our thoughts and words. They also may help us keep quiet when we need to.
Home is where the heart is, and work is where the laptop is.
Working remotely does not have to feel so distant for your team. Here are 11 techniques to help you team feel more connected.
Team Meetings:
1. Create a regular schedule and stick with it. Avoid the temptation to have impromptu meetings with those who are under your same roof.
2. Incorporate rituals into your virtual meetings like quickly sharing High's/Low's since your last meeting to get warmed up and create a window into your team's world.
I am a pretty proficient texter, although I can't hold a candle to your average teenager. I recall when I purchased my first iPhone years ago, I was typing a text to my techology partner, Harry. I was encouraging him to do what he does best. I kept is short and sweet by writing, "Just do your thing!"
