Lead with Transparency in Times of Crisis
If your team is working from home for the first time, chances are they might be feeling somewhat disconnected and out of the loop. You can help them by being transparent and making sure that everyone knows what’s going on. Communicate what’s happening at the organizational level around finances, client relationships, and big-picture goals. People may be nervous about revenue goals and other deliverables. Share as much information as you can, with as many people as you can, to help them feel like things are going to be OK. And communicate equitably. No team member should feel like they have less access to you than others. So make an effort to be available to everyone. Finally, when you run your virtual team meetings, aim for inclusion. Balance the airtime, so that everyone feels seen and heard. When people feel isolated, their imagination can begin to go wild. Transparent communication from leaders can help reign that in and set a good remote culture for their team.
“15 Questions About Remote Work, Answered,” by Tsedal Neeley