Will we ever go back to “normal” working environments? This is the question before every organization right now. For some YES, but for others maybe not. A large majority of workers cannot be virtual. But for those who can, we will likely see increasing hybrid workplaces.
Many companies have already made adjustments to a 100% work from home job base. Organizations are seeing high success and productivity in giving their employees the ability to work remotely. While some were surprised by this success, many employees said with gratitude, "We’ve been asking for this for years." This success proves that employees may have more decision power in the days ahead as employers figure out how to serve their teams and get the best out of them.
Remote work environments allow for more quantifiable and qualitative meetings in many cases. Nothing will ever replace the benefits of face-to-face interaction, but there is much to gain from the virtual meeting. Less travel between offices and skipping airport security lines allow for more meetings in a day with more people you may not have typically been able to reach quickly. Increased meetings lead to greater productivity in some cases as decisions can be made collectively in real-time when all parties are present.
Additionally, there is something about letting someone into your home that gives them insight into who you really are. Leaders and team members are now in each other's home offices, kitchens, and for some of us, the kid's classrooms. We see each other's personalities through virtual meetings in home décor, our children, and even our pets. The C-Suite just turned into the C-Den, making the leader-employee relationship more personal, accessible, and intimate.
Leading Forward
With all these changes, how can leaders successfully engage with team members going forward? These three leadership principles will help you provide better results in a post-pandemic world.
1. Be authentic.
Leading from an authentic place rooted in purpose, values, relationships, self-discipline, and heart will be critical in the leader-employee relationship. It is impossible to be all things to all people, so the best shot we have at leading is to be ourselves. I would go further to say being ourselves isn't enough, but being a self-aware version of ourselves that understands our influence and impact on others leads to success. The authentic leader then is okay with opening themselves up to genuine relationships with their team members. They share, they listen, and they learn while leading. Employees today are looking for leaders that are trustworthy, genuine, and consistent.
2. Be adaptive.
2020 was the year of adapting for all of us, including leaders and team members. Organizations (especially global businesses) operate in changing environments often, and success will result from those that have been able to pivot and respond well to change. An adaptive leader will help team members through tough seasons of change by looking at the bigger picture, diagnosing issues proactively, and providing direction. While leaders are navigating the change in front of them, they must also listen to the natural changes within the organization. These leaders will keep an ear to their people, so they are open to their ideas and grievances during the transition season.
3. Be transformative.
The most critical principle for leaders to develop as we move forward in the post-pandemic days ahead will be their ability to influence and cast vision. Transformative leaders highlight the importance of motivation and hope in the organization to build morale, not compensation alone. Like the other principles, the voice of the team is paramount. Transformative leaders listen, develop and inspire their employees and pull out the employee's best towards a shared vision. In doing this, leaders are modeling the way for everyone. By serving employees in this way, leaders not only lead with integrity and heart, but the organization now benefits from an invested team of motivated individuals.
How will you practically incorporate these three principles into your leadership moving forward?
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Toni Scialanca is a Consultant at The Center Consulting Group. She holds an M.S. in Organizational Leadership from Cairn University and is currently pursuing a Doctorate degree in Strategic Leadership from Regent University. In addition to her work with The Center, Toni also serves as Board VP Chair for a global nonprofit encouraging leadership development in young girls. Toni’s previous work experience included various areas of supply chain, customer experience, and product deployment as well as in church leadership and management. Her consulting expertise includes strategic planning, leadership coaching, team building, and customer experience.
