#WFH: What About Timing?
Timing is also important in the virtual environment. Time cannot be taken for granted or wasted. All work has a life cycle and needs to be done in a timely manner. Nothing needs to drag on indefinitely or endlessly. The technologies should always be used to support the business purpose with as effortless and transparent an action as possible. Technologies need to be used to encourage and strengthen relationships and influences. They should never be the center of the discussion.
“No, you can’t call me at home at 10 p.m. on a Friday night.” Everyone has limits. You have to be able to set yours. There is a lack of standards and protocols in the virtual environment so you and your teams must create your own. It is more than just practical to take into account every team member’s times, schedules and needs – it is a necessity. Schedule in advance. Make sure everyone knows when she or he is expected to be connected and keep to the schedule. Protocols often appear to be opposites: You need leadership to handle the inertia and the distance, but that same leadership wants to impose limited structure and control. You need a well-thought-out plan to manage the project, the team and the individuals. Such plans must be fluid and flexible but also highly accountable to achieve the goals of the business. Business objectives come before the individual, but the individual’s needs must be met.
Expectations and roles must be clear, but these roles need to be flexible enough to adjust as situations change.
You want to be able to balance changes without forcing answers. The opinions of others must be respected, acknowledged and merged into a solution, even if there is struggle. Criticism and conflict should be avoided and results cannot be forced.
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