Working Virtually

Jennifer Hurst
​Be Curious - Be Humble - Be Persistent ~ I embrace the opportunity to be a game-changer!

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Adonis Partners strives to provide excellence through continuous improvement for its clients. Now that many of us are working remotely, we are placed in a position where we must learn how to improve and create excellence virtually. In this article, we will provide some tips on how to work with your teams virtually. 
 
Take advantage of technology
Definitely put cameras on & mute off to see reactions and hear voices. Also - while it might be easier to simply focus on using Zoom, Skype, or Teams, you shouldn’t limit yourself to these tools. Look into other options such as file sharing, virtual whiteboards, and survey tools to improve virtual interactions. 
 
Keep connecting on a personal level
While there’s no place to go physically for coffee in-person and catch-up on life beyond the professional realm, make the time to connect for a “virtual coffee hour” or use internal social media to share pictures of #myhomeoffice or #myfamily. 
 
Clarify who does what but be careful about the “how”
Make sure you get crystal clear on who’s doing what when you wrap up your virtual meetings. Know your outcome and what “good” looks like but avoid the tendency to micro-manage individuals and teams by letting them decide how to get work done.
 
Engage authentically and realistically
Strive to do what you would do if you were in person - engage in productive conflict, have tough conversations - just do so in a way that people feel safe. Stick to your corporate values and continue to live by them. Always be real and be as transparent as you can with what you know about circumstances.
 
The Future
According to a Gallup survey conducted from late March to early April, 62% of employees in the United States said they worked from home during the COVID-19 crisis. The survey also said that three in five workers who are working remotely would like to continue working remotely. Based on these results, implementing sustainable strategies for working virtually will become crucial going forward.