If you’re managing a hybrid team and have direct reports at home and in the office at any given time, you have a management challenge on your hands. Read on to get our four top tips for leading your hybrid team successfully.
Tip #1: Keep Flexibility at the Forefront
In a pandemic world, we’ve entered a new way of working. Everyone isn’t in the office all the time anymore, and that means by default, you have to have some flexibility in mind when managing your group. Consider allowing your team to work some asynchronous hours so that they have a good work-life balance. But at the same time, hold them accountable by making them agree and sign a work agreement so that they stick to that hybrid schedule.
Tip #2: Make Your Expectations Clear
No one can reach your goals if you don’t communicate them, so make sure you bring your team together and let them know what you expect in a hybrid environment. Maybe you want everyone available via cell phone during their stated working hours. Perhaps you want to make sure everyone posts their schedule on their door. Whatever your expectations are, make them clear.
Tip #3: Lead with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
This truly is the only way to lead. No one is going to be perfect, but it’s the willingness to be intentional about your own bias that will help you and your team succeed. Are you picking on anyone because they have children? Are you annoyed because employees don’t answer emails after hours? Interrogate how you feel before acting. There may be a bias at work.
Tip #4: Be on the Lookout
Burnout in a hybrid environment is real. Employees today are juggling many different responsibilities on top of work, so you must notice the signs of burnout in your employees. That’s the time for introducing levity and connection into the work environment. If they can feel good about work, they will continue to work for the organization.
In a hybrid world, the task of management is no easy feat. But with these four tips, you’ll be on your way to building good relationships and leveraging your team for success. Try them out today!
