Working remotely during COVID

The struggle is real as we try to adjust to the new normal way of working. This is one trend which is here to stay even when things go back to being normal. Also, this is the number one skill for future. The rapid pace of globalisation, desperate inching towards the boundary-less world and frantic attempt to leverage demographic dividends, rather each other’s strengths- Virtual working is sure to stay.

So what are the attributes of virtual team member? Virtual team member demonstrates EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE, set rules of ENGAGEMENT and maintains TRUST.

How do you demonstrate EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE virtually? Well i can write a complete article on that, but long story short- You have to show that you care. Ok but how?

• Start by asking icebreaker questions- How was your weekend? How does your day look like? How has your day been? Who is cooking at home? How are you managing with home schooling these days-I am sure it is difficult.
• Demonstrate your enthusiasm and personality over the call. Basically show your excitement.
• Be more Vulnerable and honest-Because it makes us humans

Few templates to use

- Head on my heart, I am not sure if I had the most productive day today.

- Digressing a little from the topic, just want to highlight it has started to rain here

- I might sound a bit in-human- but we have an agenda to talk about

- Apologies I will be joining meeting a few minutes late

- I thought about all of you this morning, while watching news

- Thanks for running point on this. Let me know how can I help?.

Now let’s talk about certain rules of ENGAGEMENT

• Respond quickly to the email as soon as possible. Silence works best in destroying relationship with your virtual colleague.
• Always ensure that your video camera is on it helps to deepen and strengthen the relationship.
• Share the best time to connect and best mode of communication. Say that I am mostly at dinner with my family at 8 pm, so I can only join calls or reply to the mails post 10 pm.
• Lastly, Ask what more I can do for you? Is there something I can help you with? Do you want an extra hand here?

About building and maintaining TRUST

Commit on deliverables and timelines and adhere to same. This helps your virtual colleague to believe that you are reliable and trustworthy. Promise and deliver.

Effective Virtual team share following set of values and attributes

· Requests are SPECIFIC

· Good communication skills

· High emotional intelligence

· Ability to work independently

· Cross cultural and cross economic level awareness- More mindful while stating any statement that might not land well on diversity and inclusion agenda.

Big 5 challenges while working in the virtual setup

• Out of sight, out of mind- Local issues, local celebrations, does your manager remembers you at the back of his mind
• Lack of personal connect- Cultural difference, Lack of commitment to the plan, difficulty in resolving conflicts
• Connecting with peers- Missed opportunity on connecting on those lunch and tea breaks. Missed opportunity to learn from peers by mere observation.
• Work/Life Balance- Does no dedicated office time means working all the time? Working outside office hours to connect with team members.
• KSA?Who knows about your knowledge of outside world, About your skills and your attitude towards work?

Things to do to be more virtually connected team member

Communication

• Prefer ultra-clarity over brevity. Try an explain your message in detail and try to cover any assumption or doubt that might arrive.
• Seek CANDID feedback and give feedback
• Listen attentively and confirm understanding of message
• Determine the best mode of communication between IM, phone and Mail
• Start a meeting with an icebreaker question
• Keep the video on- it stops you from multitasking and helps to strengthen the relationship
• Instead of making assumptions on preferred working hours, take time to ask what time works best for them
• Hidden opportunity alert for introverts- Virtual communication and knowing rules of the game will help you to get going.

Leaders to keep in mind

-Make your meeting Short, Action oriented with clear outcomes and have follow up items.

-In case your team mate was not able to join make sure you circulate minutes of the meeting.

-Reiterate and Reinforce what was discussed and agreed upon at the end of the meeting.

-Engage your team with various team building activities such as virtual hot drinks, virtual hugs, and hosting parties over Zoom virtual background and Netflix movie party.

Thanks and stay safe