Over the past half-year, the world has been turned on its head with millions of people across the globe suddenly working from home. This means that leaders and managers are now having to lead their teams remotely. This period of difficulty and uncertainty offers opportunities for growth, and many people have been touting the importance of harnessing this time for personal development. But as a leader, how are you to develop and improve your own leadership skills when your entire way of leading has suddenly been turned upside down?
For many leaders, the beginning of this crisis may have felt like a scramble, provoking an adrenaline-fueled and task-focused response. The level of uncertainty and anxiety was exceptionally high, and while your team members looked to you to lead them through the crisis, everyone expected some level of chaos and confusion. For a brief period, chaos was the “new normal,” and leaders were off the hook for not having all the answers right away.
But, now that time of panic and alarm has long passed – and teams are looking to their leaders to steer the ship. The destination, however, is still unclear, as we all look toward an unknown future with still unknown parameters. Additionally, your team is no longer on the same boat, but each in their own unique boat traveling through this storm. A few months ago, you were the captain of a ship. Now, you’re suddenly the commander of an entire fleet.
As we settle into new ways of working, it’s clear that we need to adapt our leadership. But it is also important to remember that your leadership skills haven’t gone out the window! You just need to apply them differently. A great place to start is by asking the question: What does your (remote) team need from you right now?