How to build a better career during COVID-19 and beyond: Part 2

All organisations need management. But when it is difficult to measure what managers do, it can be tricky to design incentives to reward them. ~ The Economist

Last week’s post looked at how to be productive when working from home. One thing that might get in your way is the time you spend watching webinars, attending meetings, and using Zoom, all of which can leave you more drained than you’d be when meeting in real life.

To maximise our chances of effective group problem-solving, we need to minimise negative social dynamics and maximise the potential for quality ideas. We have to make sure we’re tapping into our teams for more than symbolic participation. ~ Shane Snow

Even though Zoom has had its fair share of problems, this doesn’t mean that all online conversations have to be a pain. The solution is to limit them to the essential people.

How big should a business team be? It is an enormously important issue for companies. Teams that are too small may lack the skills required to get the job done; teams that are too big may be impossible to coordinate. ~ The Economist

Another great tip when using Zoom is to spend less time worrying about your background and more time preparing for the meeting itself. By communicating clearly, you can keep things efficient so that they don’t get in the way of actual work.

Stop worrying about what other people think, especially when you’re considering what people you don’t know well might think about you. Present a better “you” through your actions and filter it down to things that build your self-confidence. ~ Trent Hamm

Of course, it’s not just about virtual interactions from home. Many people are back in the office, even though the spaces are likely to be redesigned with social distancing in mind. Despite the changes, you can still build good relationships with your colleagues.

There’s a lot of value in getting your work done efficiently and a lot of value in maintaining great relationships with everyone at work, and by using some smarts, you can pull off both. ~ Trent Hamm

Yes, it might feel tempting to just avoid other people and the typical drama at work. But this is a great time to connect with your teammates and share a laugh to improve everyone’s mood.

In the early 20th century workers were forced into dull, repetitive tasks by the needs of the production line. However, in a service-based economy, it makes sense that focusing on worker morale might be a much more fruitful approach. ~ The Economist

This where leaders and managers can prove their worth. By helping teams reflect on the crisis, everyone can come out stronger on the other side.

What story will people tell about your organisation over the next ten years? Will they celebrate an enthusiastic innovator that thrived by adapting workforce skills and ways of working to the demands of the new economy? Or will they blame poor financial or operational results, unhappy employees, and community disruption on a short-sighted or delayed talent strategy? ~ McKinsey