When you can’t move the mountain, do these 3 things
We would all love to be mountain-movers. Let’s face it…struggling to push that pile (but winning) as the “Chariots of Fire” encore plays in the background, it’s every manager’s dream. But it doesn’t happen that way in reality. In reality, we’re the ground force, flattening mole hills along the way so the bigger guns can roll through. And these days, those mole hills seem like Everest.
When did you decide to lead a virtual team? Was it when you took that class in college on deciphering spreadsheets and fielding conference calls with your perfectly manicured hands while your genius children homeschool themselves? No, wait! I bet it was that Peloton commercial where you pictured yourself waking up to fulfilling, interruption-free exercise and then taking on the day with your sheen of sweat glistening like diamonds of optimism. Yes?
No. But there’s another reality… a REAL reality.
The virtual environment is new to many of us. It doesn’t mean we can’t do it; it means we have to learn how. So, while you can’t move the mountain, you CAN do these three things:
Connect with your team.
Tell them openly and honestly you don’t have all the answers but that you are hardcore working on it. You’re here for them, you’re in this together, and you will not let them down. Share the organization’s goals and strategies for overcoming this crisis as best you can.Meet individually with team members to let them know their career paths are intact.
This new virtual environment doesn’t make them less visible or sideline their career goals. On the contrary, this is a chance for all of you to demonstrate your resilience and your adaptability in the face of change.Identify the skill gaps on your team.
This is a “no man left behind” kind of time. Call on more tech-skilled team members to coach those who need more help. It’s all hands on deck, here. Teams that grow together thrive together, and teams that thrive together survive.
You can’t have all the answers today. None of us do. But you can be part of something bigger and better if you step up to the plate today ready to lead.
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If you want to become a transformational leader of virtual teams, you can check out Cynuria Consulting’s Virtual Manager Bootcamp. This interactive webinar training series was designed to give you the tools you need to take action today to transform your virtual team.
About the author: Elizabeth Moore is a Project Manager and Senior Instructional Designer who frequently collaborates with Cynuria Consulting.