As leaders we know that we must overcommunicate during times of change and uncertainty. We are currently faced with both.
But we should strike a balance with our communication, being fluid as the challenges ebb and flow.
There needs to be more communication but not so much that employees are overwhelmed. A daily team huddle is great. Having three huddles a day, not so great.
Use the old style of newspaper reporting as your guide to overcommunicating: Who, what, where, when, how and why.
Who
- Your individual team members: 1:1 conversations at least weekly
- Your teams:
- Regular team check-ins on work related items
- Team “chats” – create regular social time – virtual coffee breaks
- Not more than one per day
- Your Peers: keep in touch with your peers. You need their support and they need yours.
What
- Provide updates on business, projects, changes, challenges, successes.
- Ask about them – ask: how’s it going? How are you doing? Your family? What’s working for you in this remote world? What’s not? How’s your home set-up? Is there anything you need?
- Opportunities to work together towards the common good – is there something the team wants to support? Is your company supporting a particular cause – how can your team help?
Where
- Where? Remember this is virtual! So wherever you are working from these days!
When
- More than you think. Plan to “see” each of your team members a couple of times a week through individual 1-1s and team connections.
- Then add phone calls and emails.
How
- Use technology – phone and Video is an essential tool. Email and phone do not create the same connection. Video connects people more.
- You need to be seeing each person at least once a week.
Why
- Overcommunicating will help to keep people connected.
- It will decrease the sense of hopelessness some may start to feel.
Create the Habit
Use a streak table to help track your communications as you work through the week.
What patterns do you see in the manager’s streak tables above?
Download a copy of this #Leadwell Virtually Tip and blank streak tables.