At home, during a crisis, trying to work
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Every manager needs to understand and acknowledge that we are living through a massive crisis.
Zooming out...
Thousands are dying from COVID-19 every single day. The number of new infections has come down in some countries and increased in others. Overall it’s still growing. America is on fire. Politically and in some places literally. Add in geopolitical tensions from China to Hong Kong to the US.
Zooming in...
People can’t go on holiday because of lockdown and consequently don’t take leave. At a time when they most need a break, they don’t take one. They are worried about their future. Their partners have been laid off. Their kids are missing out on education, physical activity and socializing.
Our leadership response as managers and team leaders cannot end with: “Okay, you can work remotely for now” or “If you need to come to the office remember to wear a mask”.
We cannot expect individuals and teams to deliver outcomes as normal. The Canadian Federal Government told their staff:
“You are not working from home. You are at home, during a crisis, trying to work.”
Big, big, big difference.
Those are the kind of words that mark great leadership. It’s been ringing in my head these last few weeks. It inspires and challenges me.
Thousands are dying from COVID-19 every single day. The number of new infections has come down in some countries and increased in others. Overall it’s still growing. America is on fire. Politically and in some places literally. Add in geopolitical tensions from China to Hong Kong to the US.
Zooming in...
People can’t go on holiday because of lockdown and consequently don’t take leave. At a time when they most need a break, they don’t take one. They are worried about their future. Their partners have been laid off. Their kids are missing out on education, physical activity and socializing.
Our leadership response as managers and team leaders cannot end with: “Okay, you can work remotely for now” or “If you need to come to the office remember to wear a mask”.
We cannot expect individuals and teams to deliver outcomes as normal. The Canadian Federal Government told their staff:
“You are not working from home. You are at home, during a crisis, trying to work.”
Big, big, big difference.
Those are the kind of words that mark great leadership. It’s been ringing in my head these last few weeks. It inspires and challenges me.