Telework Requires Different Leadership Styles
Is the grass really greener on the other side? Some call it telework, yet that feels like dated terminology. Work from home (WFH) has a modern, sign of our times, flair. Is it changing organizations?
Regardless of what label you give it, WFH is not just another day at the office, only you’re in a physically different spot.
Since March 2020, many people have been mandated, suggested, or otherwise enticed to stay home. Not every business or organization can accommodate this, but many can, and have.
Some research suggests that as much as 40%+ of survey respondents have increased WFH. Again though, we must recognize that many jobs cannot accommodate this model, and we really don’t know who responded.
Certainly, WFH has surged. Pennsylvania is back at it with new restrictions from the Governor (July 15, 2020).
How is your company managing WFH?
Many are suggesting that they have simply instructed employees who can work from home, to stay home and keep in touch through email, phone calls, and video meetings.
Does this work?
Telework is Different
In some cases, it works well. Yet, it is important to understand that managing or leading teams remotely is very different from traditional managerial or leadership oversight.
It is not business as usual, only different.
People are forced to do things differently, and also to do different things.
Supervisors and managers who are accustomed to traditional settings where they see, hear, and interact in-person, on-demand, with employees have new challenges.
Leaders need to focus more on relationships, building trust, and a project management style.
If you are not accustomed to metrics and measurements, it is time to brush up.
-DEG
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Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
