Top 3 Tips for Team Success in the "New Normal"
In my last newsletter , I shared 5 practical tips for more effective remote team meetings. I hope that you found those to be helpful.
To build on that, I just read and highly recommend Harvard Business Review's excellent article: "8 Questions Employers Should Ask About Reopening" . It includes detailed guidance from experts on such things as when to return, who should return, and how to protect your employees.
With that information as a foundation, here are my top 3 easy-to-implement tips for what leaders can do now to prepare your teams for a successful re-entry into the "new normal"...
#1 Celebrate what you have accomplished
My experience has been that most teams don't stop to celebrate when they have come through a difficult time or achieved something significant. Ask your team members to come to the first meeting after "normal" operations resume prepared to share what they are proud to have achieved over these last 3+ months - personally, as a team, and as a company. Share a pizza and a moment of celebration.
#2 Clarify the new team norms
Begin discussing now what the new norms and expectations will be before you are back to "normal". What do we now expect of each other and the team as it relates to the meetings, working hours, communications response times, etc. What worked well over the last 3 months that you want to keep doing? What will need to change once everyone returns to "normal" operations? Everyone is much more likely to support and hold themselves and each other accountable for norms/expectations that they helped to create.
#3 Chart your course for the next 30 days
I would normally recommend a 90-day planning cycle, but things are changing too fast. Take 30 days at a time, assess progress, identify challenges, and problem solve as a team. Be sure everyone is clear on what the team priorities are - and aren't - and that everyone knows how each person contributes to your shared success.
I am passionate about helping leaders improve the engagement and productivity of their teams. For questions or suggestions to address your unique needs, please email me today and let's find solutions together.
Kimberly
