Leading Remote and Hybrid Teams II
Make Regular Virtual One-On-One Meetings a Top Priority
(c) Patrick Flesner, 2024
Welcome to the second edition of the "Leadership Shots" newsletter about leading remote and hybrid teams. In the first edition, I shared a straightforward recipe for leadership in these settings. This recipe includes two fundamental principles that apply both remotely and in traditional office settings: (i) embrace the fact that leading means being in charge of people, and (ii) be empathetic and put yourself in the shoes of your team members. Following this recipe will answer many of your questions about how to lead effectively in remote and hybrid environments.
However, many of my coachees and leadership and business development workshop participants crave more detailed advice. Here is advice no. 1:
Make Regular Virtual One-On-One Meetings a Top Priority
I often hear leaders say, "If I spend time meeting and talking to people, I don’t have time anymore to do my actual job." This is a misconception! Remember the first remote and hybrid leadership principle? Leading means being in charge of people. Your primary role as a leader is to build strong teams, set them up for success, and ensure they execute joint plans towards shared goals and turn your inspiring vision into reality. This focus means that most of your attention should be directed towards the people you lead.
You must constantly evaluate, asking questions like, "Do I have the right people in the right roles?", "Do my team members embrace teamwork?", "Do all my team members share the same values and enjoy our company culture?", "Do my team members have all the resources they need to deliver according to plan?", "How can I serve my team members even better?". You will find answers to these questions if you follow the second leadership principle: be empathetic and put yourself in the shoes of your team members. Engage your team members not via email or Slack, but in personal virtual meetings. Holding regular virtual one-on-one meetings with your team members must be a top priority to get the answers you need.
I understand that in the hustle of day-to-day tasks, regular one-on-one meetings can feel like a distraction or even unnecessary. However, without these regular interactions, many of your team members might feel undervalued, isolated, and might eventually leave.
Therefore, ensure that you conduct regular virtual one-on-one meetings with your direct reports and use these meetings to:
Skipping one-on-one meetings might seem like it frees up time to focus on your "actual" job, but don’t be fooled. These meetings are your actual job. Being too busy to meet your team members is a sign of poor leadership.
What to Ponder This Weekend and What to Do Next Week
Why not use this weekend to reflect on whether you truly embrace your role as someone in charge of people?
Ask yourself if you have made regular virtual one-on-one meetings a top priority.
Ask yourself if you skip these meetings thinking it will free up time to do your "actual" job?
If you aim to lead your team members successfully and effectively in a remote and hybrid setting, make your virtual and regular one-on-one meetings a top priority! Start next week!
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ABOUT PATRICK FLESNER
Dr. Patrick Flesner is a leadership and executive coach, a former professional handball player in the 1st German League, a recognised bestselling author of 'FastScaling' and 'The Leadership House', a TEDx and Keynote Speaker at Speakers Excellence Deutschland Holding GmbH. His diverse background, which includes roles as a partner in renowned law firms, a leadership position in a publicly traded company, and as a partner in a venture capital fund, has endowed him with a comprehensive and multifaceted perspective on leadership and business growth.
If you are interested in learning more about coaching, workshops, and keynotes, please have a look here.
THE LEADERSHIP HOUSE
Praise for The Leadership House
"In this little book, you will find the tools necessary to enhance your leadership journey. Thanks Patrick for giving us such a gift.”
—Howard Behar, former president of Starbucks International
"Great storytelling alongside with the simultaneous communication of facts. In this book, the essentials of leadership are impressively presented in an unusual and memorable setting."
—Gisbert Rühl, former CEO of Klöckner & Co SE
"Most leadership books are either too theoretic, esoteric, or complex--or all of the above. The Leadership House stands out. It conveys how to lead effectively, wrapped in an inspiring story full of leadership wisdom and actionable insights. This book is not only fun to read, but makes you learn how to lead with ease. Highly recommended for any leader and all who wish to become one."
—Matthias Heutger, Partner at Porsche Consulting and former Senior Vice President, Global Head of Innovation & Commercial Development at DHL Group
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