Mary Schechter
theintuitiveorganization
If you have been following the news or just looking across the proverbial “desk”, you might be noticing a phenomenon that is changing the landscape of the workplace. Fueled by the pandemic and now a part of the mainstream discussions everywhere, remote work is redefining “how” we relate in the workplace. And although there has recently been push back on this, it is a trend that is here to stay.
Why, you ask?
Because it signals a deeper and more profound shift in our collective gestalt. The need to reorder our priorities, both personal and professional, marks the beginning of the “quiet revolution” that is at hand.
Whether you are just entering the workforce or are looking at retiring, the new and most impactful question being asked by employees is, “ how can I get my needs met for life-balance while still remaining relevant and valuable?
And just as importantly, the most impactful question being asked by management is, “how can we be responsive to the needs of our employees to work from home while not losing productivity?”
In this week’s post, I focus on the questions that leadership needs to be asking, so to embrace the opportunity, rather than run from it.
You might think the answer to this is complicated and deep. It is not. It is as simple as listening. Yes, I did say listening.
My thought for you as a manager- do not dismiss the increasing momentum of The Great Migration, but welcome it.
Meet it head on by asking for input.
Why?
· Where you can find sentiment or energy behind a growing “cultural” shift, you have an obligation to give it air time.
· Where you can find pockets of belief among your employees, you can count on one thing- people talk. That “talk” has energy and traction, fueling attitudes and ultimately choices.
· Where you can allow “old ways” to be open for review, you have a chance to build a new culture that is both productive and responsive.
· Like the truism I have heard over the years in working with my Executives, historically shared as a tongue in cheek comment,
“Happy Wife, Happy Life”, in this instance, means focusing on the needs of employees while thoughtfully redressing outmoded methods can yield surprising results.
Food For Thought
· Listen with intent; invite opinion rather than dismissing it. Your ability to manage the narrative has everything to do with HOW open you are to receiving the TRUTH.
· Be open to change and respect that what is happening “out there” can inform your choices “in here”, right at home.