Staying Connected with your Hybrid and Remote Workforce

Despite the shiny allure of working remotely, it comes with the possibilities of isolation, anxiety, and confusion. More and more organizations have workers telecommuting, and this trend appears to be growing around the globe. Leaders face significant challenges as they attempt to stay connected to their dispersed colleagues while at the same time exerting a positive influence on those they lead. We know it is possible from collaborations with leaders who have met the challenges successfully.

Here are some of the best practices that have helped resilient leaders meet those challenges:

• Establish and maintain a routine of phone calls (audio/video) with stakeholders, one-on-one and in groups. Commit to prioritizing those calls (treat them like critical in-person meetings.)
• Be mindful and intentional about the quality of your presence. Maintain a centered, less anxious presence and re-center throughout your calls and as you’re writing e-mails.
• Use e-mail not only to coordinate the completion of tasks but to check in with and take the temperature of those remotely located.
• Reinforce clarity in the rational system by communicating key decisions and staying connected to people by sharing your perspective on the state of the things that matter to them and you.
• Regularly practice E-Mailing Mindfully. (Look for a future post about this soon!)
• Be strategic about making in-person visits where possible, and use that time to connect on the feeling level with as many people as possible.
• Listen and learn about what is going on during visits to remote locations and follow up when you return in a way that shows you have heard those remote workers and their concerns.
• Handwritten notes, however short, carry a powerful message, particularly in this age of electronic communications. Consider developing a routine of writing short letters of appreciation.