Over the past two years, we’ve all been pushed to our limits.
As the Covid-19 pandemic affected every aspect of our lives, many of us were jerked from the norm of spending our work day fully in-person to a new normal of either remote or hybrid in a relatively short period of time.
With shifting policies and procedures as companies have attempted to adapt to the pandemic, company leaders have had to reestablish what it means to be collaborative.
Here are a few ways leaders can help create a collaborative workplace.
Be Empathetic
Every single one of us had to deal with ups and downs the past two years. Whether it be working from home with partners and children or being alone, we’ve all had to learn to adapt and grow.
Now more than ever, we all must practice empathy. Whether that be flexibility when a coworker needs to work from home because of sickness/family obligations or shifting project deadlines because of reasons outside of our control, we all must be empathetic and understanding in order to be collaborative with our teammates.
Embrace Technology
Meeting in-person is not always an option anymore. We must be willing and able to meet people where they are at—especially if that’s over a video or phone call. Test out new technologies and vet them with your team. Does your team prefer email, Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Skype? Figure out what works best for communicating with each other and let technology help you collaborate more easily and readily.
Top Down & Bottom Up
Collaboration cannot be a single person’s job. It must be practiced collectively both from the top down and bottom up. Leaders must be willing and able to collaborate with team members and show that they are committed to everyone’s success. When collaboration flows from the top down, everyone else will join in and practice teamwork effectively and successfully from the bottom up.
How does your company create a collaborative workplace? Tweet @StarterNoise to let us know.
Derek Rundell, is a successful business leader, operator, and serial entrepreneur. Derek has founded, managed and sold businesses in the technology, media and finance industries. He sits on several boards and serves as an advisor/investor to numerous established businesses and startups. Startups are Derek’s real passion, and in addition to building his own portfolio of technology, media and financial ventures, he invests in and mentors startups and entrepreneurs. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge and helping other businesses succeed.