It would be an understatement to say that COVID-19 is having a stressful and dramatic impact on all of us, both economically and socially.

As a leader there are now new demands on your skills, and it is easy to predict that you’ll be dealing with more disruptions as the business economy evolves. You’ll need to learn faster, adapt quicker, be creative and accelerate everything you do to manage your team through the effects of this coronavirus outbreak.

It is essential to keep your people engaged, motivated, and yes – continuing to learn – in order to keep your business moving forward. They will need to see you showing leadership and communicating as you never have before.

Here are a few points to consider as you adapt to, and work with your virtual teams:

  1. Communicate, communicate, communicate!
    • Tell them what you do know.
    • Tell them honestly what you don’t know.
    • Assure them you will continue to get answers.
  2. Respect and understand the new situation your staff find themselves in.
    • Show concern, empathy and attention to their needs.
  3. Check that your team has the necessary technology to do their work, and the means to be involved in extraordinary communication.
  4. Exhibit and promote a positive attitude.
  5. Project a sense of moving forward.
    • Pull the team together, set clear, reasonable goals, set times to interact, follow-up and meet virtually on a regular basis.
  6. Adapt your performance expectations and manage by objectives.
    • People are converting their work habits to the virtual workplace; there will be a learning curve for many.
  7. Review all you know about coaching, change management and team building and apply those skills lavishly.
  8. Promote inclusion and collaboration with the virtual team members.
  9. Set up your personal plan to offer virtual recognition and rewards for the team.
  10. Remember, it’s up to you to be the voice of reassurance, authority and understanding.

Let’s stay in touch. We’re all in this together.

Dale

At WATMEC, we’re doing our part to help you manage through the COVID-19 crisis. Visit our homepage for our complimentary e-learning offerings.

About Dale

Dale Wilcox is co-owner of WATMEC. Dale is a respected board member, former volunteer of the year, and inaugural Chair of the Canadian Society for Training and Development.