The pandemic has forced companies to convert their operations to a remote work setting. Yes, working from home would seem good knowing that the virus has not subsided at all. However, this poses a challenge to the leaders of the company. How would they lead their team in a remote workplace? If you’re a manager or a team member, these are five tips to become a more effective leader amidst the pandemic.
Hold Regular Video Meetings
This is one of the best ways to remind your team that you are one team. The social distancing protocols have forced everyone to refrain from getting in close contact. Your job as a leader is to build your team chemistry despite only meeting via video meetings.
Ask Your Teammates What They Need From You
Your colleagues or subordinates may feel uncomfortable asking you for the resources they need to carry out their tasks. You do not know what you do not know. It is best that you make yourself available to your team, and draw the possible courses of action in carrying out a task. Extend your help to everyone on your team so that you. Take the initiative to ask them what they need to normally function in this new normal setting.
Be An Inspiration
Some people consider their home as a resting place after logging hours at work. This is why some employees do not get the same enthusiasm while working at home. You must be the first person to show enthusiasm and excitement when working. Inspire your teammates by exemplifying professionalism. Show them the meaning behind the task they are responsible for. Great managers are great leaders. They lead by example.
Give Occasional Break
Since all of you will be in a remote workplace setting, it is best that you give your team a break once in a while. Allow them to recharge their energy so they could perform better. Being cooped up inside their homes while balancing life and work problems is a difficult phase in employees’ lives. Let us recognize the limitations of humans. If they have a problem, you must the first one to speak about it in hopes of resolving it as soon as possible.
Be A Human
Some employees might feel that what they are doing is unilinear. They just need to do the work they need to, then they’re done. Working remotely could seem impersonal at times. The best course of action here is to foster deeper relationships among the team even remotely. Express care for their lives. A quick way to start this is by asking how they are coping with the current situation. Your team must feel that you genuinely care about their wellbeing. Take time to discuss things outside of work. When they care more about you as a person, you will have respectful and responsible employees.
The global pandemic has revealed that we must be great and effective leaders. Gone are the days where you are the boss. You must be a leader from this point forward. Great leaders care about their teammates’ wellbeing and the quality of work. They protect their employees’ health and quality of work.
Read here about how you could promote a safe workplace during the pandemic.
Opinions expressed by AsianBlurb contributors are their own.
Zakary Kelley is a technology reporter for Business Blurb covering social media and the digital products that are changing our lives.
