| I’d like to share some highlights from what I heard from leaders this week that I think may be helpful to you – things they’re doing with their teams now that they’re all working virtually. Circle Up/Circle Down – a quick check-in at the beginning and end of each day. This is a team working virtually for the first time and needs to connect on what’s happening daily. In their 15-minute video call, they talk about their TUNS: targets, updates, needs, shout-outs. Also, they each express their own “word for this day” to keep them inspired. 1:1 call with each team member – A number of leaders talked about what they’re learning about team members through weekly 1:1 phone conversations. Understanding personalities and personal perspectives is a real gain for them. “Mostly, I listen, encourage, offer advice. I’m focusing on how I can reduce their stress and keep them productively engaged and happy,” wrote one leader. Frustrations range from too much background noise with kids at home, too many group calls on camera, settling into who (and when) has space and quiet, especially while sharing it with someone who worked from home already. Text team twice / week, viewed as less formal than email. This leader checks in and asks specific questions, like “How are you getting groceries?” and “Where have you found TP?” The team is bonding like never before. Some favorites: Someone commented how uncomfortable it was sitting for hours at their home setup. They missed their desk chair. The leader said go get it and bring it home until this is over. Others said it was hard dealing with the small screen on their laptop all the time. Their leader encouraged them to bring home their larger monitor from work. Now they’re more productive using dual monitors. Virtual happy hour – a leader arranged for a department-wide sendoff for a team member retiring after 30 years. It brought together lots of accolades, humor and laughter. Much appreciated by all, and truly memorable for the guest of honor. Taking breaks – many are finding creative ways to re-energize. I’ve heard about gardening, cooking, stair climbing, dog walking, dancing to music, jumping rope in the garage – alone and with their kids. Breaks are good for everyone. One leader taught her daughter how to ride her bike without training wheels in the empty parking lot of her closed school. I hope these trigger some thoughts. We’ve got a ways to go. What’s working so far for YOU? For those of you who have to be on site and have people working on site, I’d like to hear from you. I hope you all stay healthy. |
