How to Bring the Human Connection to a Remote Workforce
During the FQ’s virtual Equality Lounge on April 7th, we had a panel discussion addressing “How to Bring the Human Connection to a Remote Workforce. The panel, which was moderated by Erica Keswin, Workplace Strategist and Author, Bring Your Human to Work, included five amazing leaders:
- Stephanie McMahon, Chief Brand Officer, WWE
- Laura Molen, President, Advertising Sales and Partnerships, NBCUniversal
- Alex Wallace, Head of Content, Verizon Media
- Abigail Posner, Director, BrandUnit, Google
- Menaka Gopinath, President, Ipsos Social Media Exchange North America
While we’re all working remotely, being truly present is critical to provide our teams with a much-needed sense of community and trust. Importantly, tech and virtual conversations, which are connecting us in a totally different way now and merge our professional and home lives, tend to humanize us and allow us to see each other for who we truly are.
With our lives changing dramatically, it’s so important to think about how we need to lead not only during this crisis, but thereafter as well. Being empathetic and connecting with one another has a significant role in the workplace. We’re all in this together, regardless of one’s age, gender, title or role.
Our panelists offered excellent tips for leaders to get everyone on the team to bring their whole selves and vulnerability to work:
- Be kind to one another and make sure the team is thinking of the future
- Clear direction needs to originate from the leadership
- Be present, as your time is the biggest gift you can give to your team
- Be tough, fair, open and kind, and open the dialogue and listen
- Remind your team how important they are in what they’re doing and what you need from them to get the job done
- It’s okay to show your team when you’re stressed and overwhelmed — they’ll appreciate seeing your real self
- Take care of your team by being more in contact with them, perhaps with daily check-ins
How are you, to use Erica's wonderful phrasing, "bringing your human to work" in our current virtual reality? Drop a line in the comments!
Strategic Growth Leader in Green Tech at Njord by Maersk Tankers / Driving Innovation as a 3x Startup Founder
4yGreat points Shelley. My favourite... the importance of the team leader / manager to always be in touch with their teams. A simple 1-on-1 check-in will do wonders for the morale of the team members. It shows them that their leader truly cares for their well-being.
I have discovered new and interesting ways to connect with my team while working remotely. Daily virtual meetings where we touch base about what is priority for the day, to the daily joke, what we ate or which movie we watched the day before. We all want to be heard and valued and using the resources we currently have to accomplish this, can go a long way. I feel like we are all making a difference by lifting each other up when the other person is feeling down or frustrated. During COVID19 times, even a smile and a short hello can go a long way. Thanks for sharing.
Nature, Indigenous Wisdom, and the Regenerative Economy
4yYes pls!
President of 9Q Solutions | AI Strategist & Deployment Specialist | Empowering Industry 4.0 Transformation
4yDr Laura Ciel