As I discussed last week, our first priority in the return to our workplaces is taking care of the people. Second, ought to be learning from the COVID-19 pivot. What knowledge has been gained as an organization? Are we prepared for the next major event?
1. Learning From the Experience
Businesses should conduct a plus/delta with their employees, their customers and their stakeholders shortly after returning to work. If you have already returned, plan this exercise ASAP. What worked well? What didn’t work well? After completing this exercise, engage the organization’s “out-of-the-box” thinkers to take the nuggets and develop them into new procedures & practices, implementing a new and improved way of doing business.
2. Leveraging Technology
Every business was thrust into using technology where it had never been used before. Business processes that your employees have become familiar with, have been disrupted. Telecommuting became the norm. Technology infrastructure was tested beyond its limits. Programs & processes were modified to support the change in technology. It will be important to keep the best practices and expand upon them, making them an integral part of the business going forward.
3. Navigating Through Ambiguity
People do not naturally thrive in a world of ambiguity. With so many unknowns, leaders must provide a compelling vision of the future that inspires while being transparent about the lack of concrete knowledge and direction. This requires strength through vulnerability.
4. Preparing for the Next Crisis
While there may never be another crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, the experience has taught businesses some valuable lessons about how to prepare for the unexpected. Capturing these lessons will be important to create methods, anticipate future change and mitigate any adverse impact to the business.
These are just a few of the many challenges awaiting leaders as the workplace reopens and employees return to work.
Is your organization struggling with the transition back? Would you like more information on applying these leadership principles in your organization? Lucas OPT can help.
Best of luck to you as you embark upon this journey.