Like many of you, I’m working remotely due to COVID-19. It has been more than two months since I’ve entered my employer’s office for an eight-hour workday.
Because we’ve been staying home to flatten the curve, I have not had the opportunity to physically interact with my team or colleagues.
Since I began working from home, I’ve moved through different phrases to connect and support my team. When I first started working from home, I struggled to connect with my team. My focus was on productivity.
Initially, I thought we would return to normal in a couple of weeks. My mindset refused to accept the long-term implications of COVID-19.
Why? Because I could not fathom the idea that schools would be closed for an extended period. Despite hurricanes, snowstorms, fires, tornadoes, and earthquakes, schools have remained open.
When we received official notification to continue distance learning for the remainder of the year, the reality of the situation became clear. Fighting the pandemic would require us to change how we work. I realized I would need to manage my state of mind and change my approach to supporting my team.
Once I recognized the need to change, I asked myself what adjustments needed to be made to better support my team. After a period of reflection, I realized I needed to shift my focus away from the platform to the need.
By shifting my focus to meeting the needs of my team, I was able to transition to a coaching model to better lead and support my team.
During this pandemic, we have transitioned our homes into schools, doctor’s offices, nursing homes, and daycares. We are juggling numerous emotions and responsibilities. Taking time to provide support is crucial to our emotional well being and will increase our effectiveness and productivity.
Working remotely presents many challenges and questions for leaders such as:
- How do you maintain productivity in a changing environment?
- How do you engage and connect with your team?
- How do you conduct coaching conversations virtually?
These are just a few of the question’s leaders are struggling with.
While COVID-19 has forced many of us to work remotely, it has also presented us with an opportunity for leaders to expand the impact of our work through virtual coaching.
“Coaching is unlocking a person’s potential to maximize their own performance. It is helping them to learn rather than teaching them.”
Timothy Gallwey
If you haven’t quite mastered coaching remotely, these strategies are ideal for remote leaders who want to elevate their team member’s performance through coaching. They’re also for remote workers who want to be coached effectively.
Are you coaching your remote team members successfully?
#YourLeadershipGuide
Kim
Click HERE to register for my free, live, 60-minute “Remote Work Master Class” on June 13th.
Lead Confidently
Expand Influence
Achieve Significance
0 comments