Three Truths we need to Understand as Conscious Leaders post Covid-19?
Posted on August 22, 2021 by Rajeev Daswani, One of Thousands of Leadership Coaches on Noomii.
Has Covid-19 changed the way we need to show up at work? Things have changed for sure, how we respond to them is what is going to make the difference.
Can you imagine the world when we return back to our old ways?
As I contemplate the direction I am headed towards, I wonder what is it going to BE like moving forward? Yes, I am living in the moment, which at present means, I work and lead from home. My team works and participates from home, while we continue to find ways to BE productive, united, and accountable for the shared results that we bring to the table. It is not an easy ride, we are afraid of what is to come, we are afraid of the unknown, but yet there are so many new things we have learned that somehow has changed the way we used to see things and replaced it with this new lens.
Truth 1: How do I tell my team that we have to now work from the Office?
The lockdown has revealed so many unjustified fears and inefficiencies in our old systems that in our regular Busy-Doing we would have never noticed. I now see so many gaps in my management and in the way our organization operated pre-covid. I believe that each adversity brings with it learning, and that is something that we need to take seriously so that we are better prepared for future situations.
Like many, we all operate from a Head Office where everyone rushes early in the morning so that we can tick a box and feel connected as an organization. Yet, the conversations that we have had during the lockdown have proven to be deeper, more human and have brought us all together in a way that pre-lock down, no one really experienced at work. It was as if for the first time, we all were on the same page, as we were all equally vulnerable. This is the key to creating not only deeper relationships but authentic Trust, which is the glue that many organizations have yet to apply.
So my question is, how do I tell my team, who during this lockdown managed to get their work done, managed to communicate with each other, and were efficiently accountable, that we now need to return to the old ways of attendance-based physical presence. What is the justification for holding on to real estate that is costing us so much money as a head office, if we can operate our organization virtually and meet together when needed to get things done? Mind you, I have an engineering company that carries out Industrial plating and requires us to ensure that we plan immaculately so that our clients can have their parts back as promised while all our departments coordinate to execute the jobs.
What the lockdown has taught us is that many parts of our system can, in fact, work virtually as long as we coordinate and the team works cohesively. Everyone will need to show up authentically and Be accountable.
Truth 2: Some positions may no longer be part of the new system
As we approach the return to the normalizing of life post-Covid, I ask myself do we really need every single resource we have at our organization? This question would have revealed a different answer before the lockdown, however now, I sadly see a different reality. One that showcases processes and functions that can be eliminated, as some of those roles no longer serve a vital function. We have now experienced firsthand who we can and cannot live without at our organizations. Simply look at the people you reached out to during the lockdown when you needed to get stuff done. Like us, many organizations experienced the same, and that means that there are many roles that may no longer be too vital to hold on to.
The reality is as we return to the world post-Covid-19 some of us may find ourselves having to let go of team members. It is not something any Leader would like to do, but it is important to ensure that we adjust to the new Normal and face the reality of fixing the inefficiencies in our systems.
This, however, will require leaders to Consciously show up so as to ensure that they provide the utmost support and compassion to those that they let go of while reassuring the rest of the team members who remain, that they are safe and secure. This delicate dance will require emotional intelligence like never before as Leaders and teams manage their emotions in order to cope with the new changes.
Truth 3: Consumer Purchasing Patterns will not be Exactly the Same
The third truth is that no matter how much we expect things to normalize, the experiences that Covid-19 has left us with will somewhat impact our overall choices and spending habits. The lockdown has already transformed retail online to grow multiple times over, debunking the traditional belief that consumers need to touch and feel certain products to purchase.
Also, some consumer shopping behaviors and choices will surely change now that they have experienced firsthand the difference between needs and wants. Businesses have to be ready to offer and create real value perception to connect with the post-COVID Era consumer.
As organizations, we have to be ready to serve clients who will probably be more than ever emotionally invested in their purchases.
It is likely that consumers will connect with products and services that make them feel safer, encompass self-care and personal wellbeing.
So what steps can we as Conscious Leaders take to prepare for these 3 truths post-Covid 19?
Create a space of Vulnerable Trust with all stakeholders. This means aligning the culture of the team so that everyone is included and engaged while having the autonomy to perform their tasks and meet their responsibilities. Explore programs that bring your team together in deeper discussions, this is the time to Humanize your organization.
Explain and lead by example, leaders must show up human. Nothing can be more difficult for the team than to see a strong leader who is hiding behind facts or not being transparent. If systems are not as efficient, communicate the facts, allow everyone to weigh in, and finally take decisions that are best for the overall sustainable good. Ensure that you create a team that sticks together and is cohesive. Now more than ever we need our brands to speak one language to the world.
Stop aggressively selling products and services and start gently sharing your story instead. Share with consumers why we must buy your products and services, explain to us the impact your products and services are creating for not only us but for the world. Think of the brands that actually pivoted to help during the adversity. They told us a story, one that started and ended with “We care about you”. This is the time to ensure you lead and share your purpose as a brand, for we all are waiting to hear that you are not only here for us but that you are also going to be instrumental in making this world a better place for our children. -
About Rajeev Daswani
Rajeev is a Transformational Leadership Coach & Consultant specializing in Conscious Leadership and team development. His Conscious Leadership & Conscious Team Programs offer organizations tools to measure and align culture, deepen communication while promoting cohesion and more Human interaction. To know more about the programs visit www.rajeevdaswani.com
