What’s Normal? Change.
The word “Normal” conjures up something stationary, solid state. Unchanging. Unwavering. Rock solid. Predictable. “New Normal” suggests to me we are – or will be – in a new unchanging reality.
Does that fit the working world?
Just in my lifetime we’ve gone from:
Typewriters and word processors and walls lined with file cabinets to store the paper output, to personal computers and laptops capable of creating and storing it all – and to “the cloud”;
Rotary-dial stationary telephones, to boxes smaller than a bar of chocolate stuffed in our pockets that we use for everything except, it seems, talking with people;
Film-based photos and a delay to develop the captured scene in shareable format, to the cellphone and sharing, with many, the shots of breakfast before the toast is cool.
The pandemic confirmed what we’ve known for a long time: that most work environments can be any version of remote/hybrid one wants to imagine:
We have adequate, accessible technology to support flexible work arrangements
People don’t need direct supervision to reliably deliver their commitments
Objectives and value-add often can be produced on time, at quality regardless of the team members’ locations and working situations
Remote and hybrid teams can be cohesive and collaborative
Valuable contributions and career growth are possible without being on location
Purpose and Value remain key to the success of individuals and organizations
We have had everything we needed to succeed remotely and as dispersed teams for sometime – except perhaps the confidence and culture to do so. The pandemic nudged us to shift our perspectives to accept and support remote work.
And this gets us to another recognition:
It is one thing to “lead” in stability: Leading a team with the mindset of “This is how you have to do it because we’ve always done it this way”. The pandemic has illuminated the critical role of Good Leadership for dynamic adaptability, cohesively leading diverse, dispersed teams into the anticipated or unknown future.
The facts on Capable Leadership haven’t changed: Lousy leaders have always been a costly and compelling reason for people to leave their jobs: Good leaders provide team members with the compelling reason to STAY.
Good leaders
Can shift a group of people into a cohesive and collaborative team regardless of where the team members are located
Recognize great work – period – and grow individual and team capacity
Champion innovation and creativity
Build team and organizational resilience
The pandemic has accentuated that need for leadership capable of sustaining and fostering future-focused, adaptable, dynamic work environments.
Good leaders are comfortable in this space: They don’t always know what lies ahead, but are alert to the indicators of change and remain flexible: They are driven to discover and maximize what is in the team toolbox, support innovation and creativity and are ready to adapt.
Change IS Normal.
Good Leaders know this and lead to the future.
And THAT is, as always, exciting!