Stepping Up During A Crisis — Remote Work & Leading Others

Nov 27

The biggest topics on everyone’s minds, emails and conversations I’m having these days are: COVID-19, impending recession and how to navigate through this.

I don’t have all the answers. Actually, unfortunately, none of us do.

However, There Is A Silver Lining To All Of This.

Out of adversity, as a country, we have always innovated and found new ways of working, leading and being.

I’m seeing companies, leaders, and individuals step up and lean INTO this challenge. People are giving their time, talents and resources to support one another.

I recall not that long ago - leaders gasping at the thought of allowing a team member flexibility to work remotely 1-2x week to balance work and life demands. Fast-forward to today, leaders are ASKING their teams to work remotely, stay productive, safe and well! We are all learning THROUGH this.

So What Else Is Coming Up During These Uncertain Times?

Organizations are shifting. And as leaders we are also shifting. We’re growing and leaning into this challenge. Here are some of the key topics that are coming up when I’m meeting with leaders and HR Leaders that I’m having right now. This is not an exhaustive list of what a good leader looks like. However, I am noticing themes and patterns of what we expect a “good leader” to look like - here’s a starter list of what we need more of right now:

Thinking Big-Picture:

It’s not enough to just think about your team or department. Today and tomorrow’s 21st leader need to make the tough decisions, embrace multiple perspectives, self-develop (aka be coachable and self-aware), and focus on the right things. This means, not just thinking about their team or siloed area...they have to be savvy enough to ZOOM OUT and think bigger.

High Impact Teams:

Leaders, more than ever, must be able to create a culture that embraces constructive and productive conflict. Not all conflict is created equal. Conflict, when used appropriately - can bring innovation and bolder outcomes. In addition to creating teams that embrace healthy conflict, leaders also need to establish clarity - even if that means admitting they don’t have all the answers, but sharing what they do know. Healthy teams also have a growth mindset and create a climate where they can learn together and grow together. Where knowledge-sharing happens and people “bring each other along.” As the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats. We need that now. More than ever before. Great teams also know that they are better together. Period. Lastly, great teams focus on the greater good and collective goals. They also focus on celebrating wins, appreciating each other and connecting with each other.

Talent Pipelines:

We need leaders to help strategically assess, develop and coach talent. And that means investing in leaders to show them what “good” looks like. They may be technically savvy, but may not have ever had a formal mentor or coach themselves. So as we retool our economy and shift our way of being, we may want to start INSIDE ourselves as leaders and start to coach the leaders the way we want them to lead. Leaders need coaches more than ever, to help them navigate change and transition, so they can confidently coach their teams and managers as well. We need leaders to be comfortable with facilitating courageous, open, and ongoing conversations. And above all, we need to create a learning culture where it’s okay to fail and try again. Where talent can innovate, take smart risks and continuously improve.

Building Connections:

The leaders of tomorrow can’t just build a great team and live on an island. In an increasingly connected, inter-connected and possibly more matrixed (and remote) world, we need leaders that are confident, clear and connected. They know their own personal brand, what they stand for, why and how their teams work connects to others around them and the big-picture. They understand their team’s mission and also how their work connects to the organization’s mission, vision and values. Great leaders help others and their teams. They look for solutions and put politics aside to build community across functions. They think bigger by asking curious questions, being present, establishing strong networks and peer relationships. They don’t just think about themselves, they ask how they can help the greater good and look for lasting connections, opportunities and build relationships that last. The best leaders also build connections not just within the organization, but look externally and build communities of practice to support others on their journey and lead as a beacon sharing their knowledge for the greater good.

Stepping Up During A Crisis Is Hard Work. I’m Not Sugar-Coating It. This Is Heavy Stuff.

However, with great challenges, come great opportunities.

And as Bruce Lee (one of my favorite quotes) would say, “To Hell with Circumstances. I create Opportunities.”

So, how can you create opportunity within your team? Your organization? Or your community?

Stay well.

-Abby

Abby is a writer, speaker, and executive coach. She's a certified Hudson Institute coach who helps leaders, teams and organizations reach their goals through better communication, coaching, and alignment in their lives. She partners with Fortune 500 companies with employee engagement efforts, career and executive coaching as well as group coaching initiatives. A former HR pro, turned certified Executive Coach and as a Certified Yoga Teacher, she helps people find insight, confidence, and clarity to reach their goals personally and professionally. Learn more and sign up for her newsletter via her website at: abbyleadershipcoaching.com.

Marin Johnson