Hybrid work is here to stay – but have managers caught up?
Nov 8, 2024
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Brad Bell, a strategic human resources professor, alongside Jen Overbeck, a management expert specializing in remote collaboration, and consultants Peter Buckingham and Demelza Green, delve into the dynamics of hybrid work. They discuss the need for adaptable leadership styles and effective communication strategies to enhance team connections. The importance of cultivating a strong team culture despite physical distances is emphasized. They also explore the balance between productivity and flexibility, highlighting the significance of technology in fostering collaboration and maintaining employee engagement.
Effective management in hybrid work relies on balancing traditional and remote leadership styles while fostering trust and communication.
Establishing team affinity through informal interactions and clear roles enhances collaboration and moral strength in hybrid teams.
Deep dives
Managing Hybrid Workforces Effectively
Effective management of hybrid workforces requires a nuanced understanding of the blend between traditional and remote leadership styles. Managers must facilitate communication and engagement without resorting to micromanagement, ensuring all team members feel aligned with the organization’s mission. This includes sustaining clear direction around tasks and objectives while fostering an environment of trust and psychological safety. Managers should also adapt to changing work dynamics, emphasizing team bonding and connection, which can be challenging in a remote setting.
The Three V's of Hybrid Teams
The concept of the Three V's—variety, volatility, and volition—encapsulates the unique challenges of managing hybrid teams. Variety refers to the diverse work arrangements team members may have, creating complexity in scheduling and collaboration. Volatility highlights the unpredictability of when team members will be available, complicating project coordination. Lastly, volition addresses the varying degrees of choice individuals have in their work arrangements, which can lead to feelings of inequity that leaders must navigate to maintain team cohesion and morale.
Building Team Affinity in Remote Environments
Establishing team affinity is essential for success in hybrid work environments. Managers can foster connection by creating opportunities for informal interactions, such as dedicated time for socializing during meetings, which strengthens personal bonds among team members. Furthermore, implementing structured team charters clarifies roles and processes, aiding in mutual understanding and collaboration. Developing a culture that emphasizes interdependence and teamwork can enhance the overall effectiveness and satisfaction of hybrid teams, counteracting the isolation that often comes with remote work.
The preference for hybrid work is strong among employees and managers alike. So what's the winning formula for communication, workflow and team harmony?
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