Have you ever purchased a lawnmower and then decided you’d rather use it as a shower curtain?
Probably not.
Form follows function – in more ways than one.
You’ve heard us advocate for hiring better rather than hiring often. What does that mean when you hire an individual for an office position and they’re now working remotely? Or, has the office or team dynamic changed since they were hired? Or…insert your own challenge here! Personality, work ethic, accountability, and so much more come into play.
A snapshot of your team may not live up to your vision when challenging times surface.
I predict most of you find yourselves wondering how a dynamic individual who blew you away at the office is now barely effective, let alone impactful. While the cause of this change inevitably varies, there’s one universal solution I want to suggest.
Structure.
If not in place, it is critical that you tackle these two items immediately.
It’s a Date.
If the recent pandemic has taught me anything, it’s that during challenging times everything is disrupted and different. The normal rhythms that kept people moving, focused, and productive have either been thrown out the window, or they look very different.
No matter your role, the most powerful tool at your disposal for focus on the right things is your calendar.
Imagine you pull up the calendars of your team members.
What do you see? You’ll see the crucial project deadlines, the links for Zoom meetings, and the like. What you won’t see is what they’re actually working on, how they’re spending their time.
Success in any environment begins with diligently scheduled, frequently prioritized, and used calendars.
That Could Have Been an Email.
Why do we meet about meetings?
We’ve all heard the joke in some form or fashion: That meeting could have been an email.
Though many of us find ourselves “Zoom-weary,” increased meetings are key for virtual team success.
We’re now more aware of our on-screen presence, mindful of the mute button, savvy with creative backgrounds, and hopefully trained in the importance of not letting the camera reveal we’re only in business casual from the desk up.
There’s no way around it – meeting after meeting in front of screens is laborious.
It’s also necessary.
At first, glitching, robotic voices lagging in and out of calls while you try to remain focused on frozen digital whiteboards may make you want to simply throw in the towel.
Take heart.
I’m convinced people have virtual fatigue because they have no sense of progress. The routine, the work just goes on and on and on and on. They can’t see numbers. Numbers are how people know that they’re making progress.
Maybe not during the first week, second week, or even fifth week … but in due time your team will become energized as they see numbers move and goals met together.
A gathered experience boosts morale and builds intention.
During challenging times, it’s important to have encouraging leaders around you. I would love to connect personally and walk alongside you as you continue to lead well! Click here to continue the conversation!