{"id":24786,"date":"2020-06-11T03:13:25","date_gmt":"2020-06-11T09:13:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/corevalues.com\/?p=24786"},"modified":"2020-06-11T03:13:25","modified_gmt":"2020-06-11T09:13:25","slug":"the-quarantine-era-manager","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/corevalues.com\/dev\/2020\/06\/11\/the-quarantine-era-manager\/","title":{"rendered":"The Quarantine-Era Manager"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The COVID-19 pandemic has reorganized the traditional workplace at breakneck speed.\u00a0 For many, the shift to remote had been abrupt.\u00a0 Organizations across the world (in every sector) sent millions of employees home with a remote work arrangement in a matter of days. Now we face the dilemmas of the quarantine-era manager.<\/p>\n

There was neither warning nor time to prepare. Managers, in particular, suddenly found themselves leading a virtual team \u2013 many of whom are doing so for the first time.<\/p>\n

Managing yourself in quarantine without face-to-face interaction and structure is hard enough. But with the added task of managing a team going through the same uncomfortable conditions, the changes can be unnerving.<\/p>\n

Many of those who work from home are stunned at just how difficult it is to work remotely.\u00a0 It isn\u2019t as rosy as we once thought.\u00a0\u00a0 Some even report feeling more exhausted at the end of the day.\u00a0 \u00a0It\u2019s doubly difficult because of the uncertainty. \u00a0\u00a0Managers are tasked to perform at the same level under different conditions.<\/p>\n

The most daunting of all is perhaps having your role as a quarantine-era manager amplified.<\/h4>\n

\u2026 which is why managing communication is indispensable.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s easy to take communication for granted at this time. To compensate, team leaders must communicate often and early.\u00a0 What you may think as small gestures (such as saying hello or checking in with members first thing in the morning), speak volumes.<\/p>\n

One effective way to get this done is via daily huddles.\u00a0 Getting a huddle done first thing in the morning allows you to sync up on main concerns and resolve issues that need immediate attention.\u00a0 Daily meetings like these strengthen connections with employees and team members \u2013 habits that are vital in team building.<\/p>\n

As a quarantine-era manager, don\u2019t assume everyone to be on the same page.<\/h4>\n

Set expectations from the get-go. It\u2019s never prudent to assume that team members know what\u2019s expected of them in terms of work hours and availability for calls. Outline expectations. This simple task alone lessens frustration and ensures a smoother transition from office to home. If work load permits, encourage employees to work during their peak hours, instead of a specific time.<\/p>\n

Micromanaging is the doom of a quarantine-era manager.<\/h4>\n

When it comes to micromanaging \u2026 just don\u2019t. Checking in on your team\u2019s progress several times throughout the day isn\u2019t just tempting \u2013 it gives you a false sense of security. It distracts, as well.\u00a0 It sends them the message that they aren\u2019t trusted. Instead, give them a list of deliverables for the day.\u00a0 This allows you to check with them daily, but at the same time, allows for closer engagement because you communicate that you trust them.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t just watch what you say\u2026<\/h4>\n

Watch how you say it.\u00a0 Intent gets lost in translation too often especially when it\u2019s done digitally.\u00a0 Remember that body language and facial expressions play a crucial role in communication.\u00a0 When you aren\u2019t within touching distance, realize that words on screen carry more weight. \u00a0Your tone of voice can be difficult to decipher in an email message or chatbox.\u00a0 So be extra meticulous when it comes to balancing honest messaging and kind warmth.<\/p>\n

Last but not least,<\/p>\n

Give ample lead time.<\/h4>\n

Be generous with deadlines.\u00a0 It takes a while to adjust to a remote work setting. Many aren\u2019t equipped to work from home due to space and noise levels.\u00a0 Employees who are parents suddenly find themselves thrust into new habits while caring for (and even homeschooling) their children.\u00a0\u00a0 Expect productivity to take a momentary dive because of obligations and distractions.<\/p>\n

People (no matter how anti-social they seem to be in the workplace) will always be social creatures who work best when they feel they \u201cbelong\u201d.\u00a0\u00a0 When team members feel safe, they contribute and communicate freely.<\/p>\n

Care to dig deeper into the conversation about the quarantine-era manager?<\/h4>\n

The following tools and resources deepen your knowledge on the topic.<\/p>\n