Tips for Thriving in a Hybrid Team
Posted on April 25, 2024 by David Campanella, One of Thousands of Executive Coaches on Noomii.
Maximize your career growth in a hybrid team by helping your manager master the six challenges of leading a hybrid team.
Leading Hybrid teams creates six unique leadership challenges which are likely to endure for some time. But what about those who work in a hybrid team and wish to excel in their career? My advice, help your manager overcome the six challenges.
Navigating the hybrid workplace effectively is crucial not only for enhancing team dynamics but also for accelerating your career progression. For those splitting their time between remote work and onsite presence, understanding how to excel under your manager’s six challenges of (1) proximity bias, (2) informal communication, (3) onboarding, (4) silos, (5) creating connections, and (6) shifting mindsets becomes essential.
First, mitigate proximity bias by being equally engaged whether you are working from home or in the office. Make your contributions visible by regularly updating your team on your progress through digital tools or in meetings, demonstrating your commitment and productivity. Research by Microsoft highlights the need for remote workers to produce tangible outputs to be perceived as productive; apply this insight to both settings by showcasing your achievements.
Secondly, enhance informal communication by actively participating in both digital and physical realms. Initiate and engage in casual conversations and virtual coffee breaks when working remotely, and make the most of face-to-face opportunities when onsite to strengthen relationships and build informal networks. Furthermore, when you are in the office, actively participate in onboarding new team members, which helps integrate them more effectively and breaks down silos. Gallup’s research indicates that well-connected team members not only perform better but are also more satisfied with their jobs, leading to higher retention and advancement opportunities.
Lastly, when the team gathers onsite, focus on fostering connections and encouraging a shift in mindsets. Whether in-person or virtual, fully participate in meetings to ensure inclusivity. Propose and support practices that reinforce team cohesion, such as hybrid brainstorming sessions or problem-solving meetings that ensure every member, whether remote or onsite, can contribute meaningfully. Avoid coming into the office and just doing the head-down work you could do at home; engage with people.
By being a proactive advocate for a hybrid work culture that values flexibility and productivity, you position yourself as a forward-thinking team player, vital for both team success and your career advancement.
