22 Aug Closing the Distance: Leading Remotely by Sarah Mill
Times are changing, fast.
There’s no denying it; we are living through a period of accelerated and unpreceded change, and many leaders are left questioning how to move forward amidst such ambiguity and uncertainty. With the sudden shift toward working remotely, we have been forced to navigate this “new normal” without any warning.
Under the weight of the uncertainty, we succumb to fear.
We have been conditioned to surrender to the fear of the unknown. Fear of making the wrong adjustment. Fear of doing the wrong thing. When we fall victim to the fear, we get caught in a position of playing it safe or, even worse, become paralyzed with inaction.
What if, instead, we could use this as an opportunity for change? What if, instead of focusing on the inconveniences of the shifts in our daily lives both at home and at work, we brainstormed out-of-the-box solutions. Imagine the positive strides we could make with approaches to leadership and inclusivity. Just imagine the possibilities if we took power into our own hands.
Think of the new normal we could establish.
Influential leaders are needed now more than ever. The tricky part? So many people are questioning how to lead from a computer screen effectively. Imagine if we took this question of “how?” and, rather than dreading finding the answer, we took the opportunity for a new start and ran with it.
Out with the old, in with the new.
Gone are the days of the iron fist in management and leadership. The tides have shifted and today, there is a calling for less authoritative control and more open, honest, and empathic leaders. Think of working remotely as an opportunity to re-establish a flexible and accessible culture for your team.
Start by stepping back.
There is a lot of pressure to continue moving forward with business as usual, but the truth is, business is not how it once was. I’m not saying you have to completely go back to the drawing board, but rather remind yourself of your mission. We have a tendency to get so caught up in the numbers that we forget the vision that got us here. Take time out to consider how you can reconnect with your mission, including your guiding values and principles, and apply them to the new way of work. Only then can you move forward.
Be willing to adapt.
At its core, leadership is a responsibility to others. Consider who your “others” are. Your employees? Customers? Investors? Community members? Chances are their needs are changing. Take the time to listen to what they are telling you and where they need support. If they’re not speaking up, don’t be afraid to ask. People are working from home with new distractions and limitations. Approaching these new challenges is going to require a shift in mindset and an element of flexibility. It’s time to let go of chains of the 9 to 5 schedule and trust your team.
Have an open mind.
When moving forward in this new normal, think of the power of creative problem-solving. We can look at a time of immense change as an opportunity for new perspectives. Rather than running a tight ship to make up for the sudden changes to the previously established routine, make room for more input from your team. Think about the innovation that can stem from the diversity of thought.
Prioritize connection.
Successful teams thrive on communication and connection. While working remotely may sound rooted in isolation, it doesn’t have to be. Think of holding routine team meetings to add a sense of consistency and community in the midst of chaos. Sure, these will provide a way to keep people accountable, but they are an excellent opportunity to build team culture. Even without working remotely, people can easily bury their heads in work and isolate themselves at their desk or in their office. Beginning team meetings asking for personal updates or celebrating team wins can help establish a sense of value and unity.
Be patient.
As you and your team navigate a new approach to daily tasks, remember that results will not happen overnight. Be patient. Chances are you will have to make many adjustments before you get it right– and then, you’ll likely have to make new changes. If you take the time to reestablish company goals and culture, success will find you. Sticking it out will only build the resilience of you and your team.
Take a deep breath.
We are more capable than we give ourselves credit for, but you must take care of yourself along the way. In order to continue being a thoughtful and effective leader, you can’t forget to take care of your well-being. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from others and to seek feedback from your team. You do not have to navigate this road alone.
Remember, the battles we face today prepare us for the struggles we’ll face tomorrow.
