Hybrid Leaders: Find Your Groove
Welcome to the hybrid work environment. According to McKinsey's American Opportunities Survey, 58% of US employees work remotely at least one day a week. The flexibility of work location presents new opportunities and challenges for leaders, including:
Reinforcing trust, and in some cases, rebuilding it.
Inspiring and motivating the team, especially when working remotely.
Authentically connecting with each direct report at a comfortable cadence.
Managing the emotions accompanying the transition to a hybrid environment.
How can the hybrid workplace help you increase your leadership effectiveness? Getting curious and asking your team the questions below is a great place to start. Give direct reports time to think about answers before sharing feedback with you.
Opening Question: Overall, how is the hybrid environment impacting the ability to do your job well?
Dig Deeper: What do you like/dislike about being in the office? What do you like/dislike about working remotely?
Get Specific: What are the biggest challenges you face when in the office? What are the biggest challenges you face when working remotely?
Offer Support: What are the best ways for me to support you and our team in the hybrid environment? Consider the top three things I can do to help you and our team thrive.
A leader I work with literally found her groove after completing this exercise. As a result of what she learned, the team now meets virtually on Fridays with cameras off to chat about the biggest pain points they are facing. While chatting, they listen to a soundtrack of songs selected by the team. The group bonds over music and problem solving in an environment that feels comfortable for everyone.
Discussing these questions will shed light on the ideal leadership approach for you and your team right now. It requires trying new things, doing things differently, and discontinuing things that do not work for you. Over time, best practices emerge, leading to greater connection, increased trust, and improved performance.
Katie Stone is the founder of Together Evolving. Email Katie at katie.stone@togetherevolving.com to learn more about the transformational impact coaching can have on you and your leadership.