Working from home, which for many is the dream, is now enforced worldwide. The shock of the COVID-19 lockdown and new measures that restrict travel and trade have forced many of you to work from home. Although you lack the collaboration offered by working in an office, it is still possible to be productive even when confined to your home. This becomes especially important if you suddenly find that you have to try to coordinate teams over Skype and Zoom.
Additionally, if you cannot perform all your duties without being in the office, there are other ways to keep you and your team busy.
Let’s have a look at what these are.
Upgrade Skills
Once you’ve done all you can work-wise, now is the time to upgrade your skill set. There are several good online resources for doing this, including free courses offered by LinkedIn. As a diligent manager, you have ideas on how individual team members can strengthen their skills, and using resources like those offered at the Open University could see your teams better qualified than before the pandemic.
Don’t forget to find time to hone your skills, too. After all, actions speak louder than words!
Define your Working Hours
There is no escaping the fact that working has changed, so as a leader, it is important to define working hours for you and your team. This will give your team a sense of what is expected of them during this time. It will also help you prioritise what needs to be done, and you can set aside time for training and upgrading skills.
It is a good idea to hold regular Skype or Zoom meetings to discuss not just working issues but working from home issues. Through discussing these issues, you and your teams may find solutions to make the situation easier and more productive. What works very well with my team is our morning inspiration, prepared by a different team member each day. It is amazing how much effort people put into finding something which might be helpful for others.
Identify the Tasks you and Your Team can do
Although the disruption is horrible, you and your team may find you can work on aspects such as long-term projects and goals that would have taken a back burner if things were normal. If you find that some of the team have more time on their hands than others, assign them tasks. Such as reviewing branding strategy and conducting data analytic research. These things are important but take a back seat to the day to day running of the office.
Ensure your Teams Exercise
Most countries allow people out of their homes for an hour a day to exercise. If you can, ensure you leverage this time to get much-needed air. And, if you have a family, to let your family let off some steam. As a leader, it is significant to ensure your team are doing everything possible, to exercise and get this much needed hour outside, too.
Get Advice from a Seasoned Professional
As a professional career consultant and CEO experienced in working from home and managing teams remotely, I can offer actionable advice that few others can.
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Are your team members challenged by the coronavirus pandemic? Schedule your time with me. You may find that you turn the current situation to your advantage. Click here and schedule your call.
