Managers in today’s dynamic business landscape face numerous challenges that affect their ability to lead high-performing teams. These challenges often revolve around:
1. Working Environments – Between remote/hybrid setups or multiple locations, teams are scattered. It is tough to keep everyone connected and easy for people to feel left out or isolated.
2. Evolving technology – Tech helps us work faster, but it can make things feel impersonal or overwhelming. We may think our endless communication choices of texts, IM’s, emails and new tools keep us connected and informed, but it’s easy to lose the human touch, which impacts productivity.
3. Employee disengagement and turnover – Gallup reports indicate a growing disconnection, termed “the Great Detachment.” When employees feel undervalued, misunderstandings and disengagement arise.
These environmental trends heighten the need to create belonging and connection in your company culture.
Here are just a few simple shifts to create connection:
Use Tech wisely: Make digital tools work for your team, but don’t forget to blend online chats with video calls and real talk. It can be as simple as 5 minutes of your time on a call or at their desk to hear an actual voice.
Prioritize Well-Being: There are many uncertainties in today’s economic times causing employees to feel stressed. Balance work-related updates with community building activities. For instance, schedule a weekly virtual team coffee for 15 minutes. Or, take a moment to occasionally send a personal text or IM to recognize a success, share a quote, or see how their day is going.
Cultivate Growth: Make time for honest conversations that support development and growth. Regularly discuss their career goals, alignment with company mission & vision, and be transparent with internal changes.
At the end of the day, being an effective manager in today’s changing environment means being flexible, showing empathy, and helping your team grow.
To learn more about creating a culture of connection in today’s chaotic world, schedule a 30-minute complimentary virtual Strategy Session here.
