Leading The Way

If you're like my team we were not used to working virtually for long periods of time, but this is adjustment we are all having to make during the #coronavirus.

I bet most us can now understand why someone invented solitary confinement for punishment because when you do not have social interaction for long periods of time it feels like punished. In fact, the length of time mandated for prisoners is between 15 - 21 days and each of us probably have employees who have been working from home longer than this. So, what do we do?

The key to successfully #leadingtheway during this time is teamwork, over communication, maintaining routines and staying active to relieve stress.

It could be easy to fall in the trap of binge-watching shows like #TigerJoe on Netflix but we've got to resist the urge.

The basis of teamwork is trust, without it there is no team. No one has all the answers during a crisis so when possible allow the team to have input on the decision.

Over communication is vital when you have employees working remote. My team has a morning huddle every day for 30 minutes. Then I will check with every team member individually throughout the day just to see how they are doing.  Please do not resort to only using email, text messages or instant message because people need to hear your voice. Does this require more effort from you, the leader, yes it does, but it’s worth it.

Maintaining routines is also very important because it keeps you in a rhythm. Get up each weekday at the same time, take a shower, get dressed for work (including wearing pants just in case you are on a video call), eat breakfast and log into your PC. 

Every one of us will experience and process stress differently during this time, but we all need a way to relieve it.  Exercise is a great way to do this. Walking alone will do wonders for you but remember to maintain your social distance from others.

Together we will win. #USA