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Tuesday, April 7, 2020

How to Manage a Work From Home (WFH) Team

The adjustment period is real!

For employees who are used to the daily office grind, this ‘working from home’ situation is something that they are continuously adjusting to. It can be very challenging and at times, lonely and frustrating.

So, what can you do to manage a team, or help your manager if you are a team member?

  1. Do SCHEDULED Check-ins with your team. During times of working at home, unscheduled check-ins make anxiety rise quickly. But scheduled check-ins have the opposite effect! This can be through one-on-ones or Zoom group chats. And that “small-talk” at the beginning of the call answering “how are you doing?”… that might be the most important part of your call!
  2. Find out how easy it is to use Zoom, Skype, Slack, and other apps. There are so many tools at your disposal. If someone on your team struggles with the tech, have someone else set up a call to coach them through it. Then, when they are on the call (or Slack conversation), celebrate their new online prowess!!! Seriously, make a big deal about it. It will help with their future forays into the tech universe.
  3. You can lead a VIRTUAL Team Time! Sure, it can be a challenge, but  great leaders find a way. Let your imagination run! Some ideas you can explore: virtual parties, sharing your new routines (with a Starbucks certificate as one of the best ideas), a 3pm game time, etc.
  4. Ask “How can we support each other emotionally?” Nothing beats providing much-needed emotional support. Just asking the question will go miles when it comes to your team feeling cared-for in the midst of these challenging WFH times.

The basis for these expanded ideas came from a Harvard Business Review article on this subject. I DON’T GET PAID for these blogs, videos, and resources over the past couple of years, but I have a great desire to add value and bless people. For example, check out my recent blog on how to continue being productive in the WFH environment.

 

What else can I do that would be even more helpful? Please let me know when you get a chance. You can always reach me at rob@leadertribe.com

 

Dr. Rob, The Robster, and your friend

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