Many companies now find themselves having to engage with digitization faster than they might want to. Since the start of the exceptional circumstances, countless images of team meetings have been circulating on social media as evidence of Zooming, Skyping, or whichever tool is being used to connect in the online world. What is well-practiced for some is entirely new territory for others.
While it’s easy to connect technically, building a sense of genuine connection between people requires more than technical know-how.
Clarity and Orientation
Open and transparent communication is a valuable and powerful tool. It provides orientation and stability, which is crucial, especially in challenging times. How we encounter each other and communicate with each other has a significant impact on us as human beings. The ‘how’ determines whether we feel close or distant, engaged or rejected, successful or unsuccessful. Many decision-makers recognize the importance of a good communication culture and strive for it, not only in times of crisis.
Simon Sinek puts it succinctly: People don’t buy what you do. They buy why you do it.
Consciously or unconsciously, the ‘why’ shapes all our actions and behaviors. It’s better to reflect on it now rather than later. By the way, money as a driving force doesn’t count. If you reflect carefully, you will also know why not.
Leadership
How do people remain connected even when they have to work separately? For leaders and employees, this is an additional challenge in already difficult times. Empathy as a leadership tool is more relevant than ever.
Especially now, it’s important to address the concerns of others, to be able to empathize, and to develop structures that create security. Many people are experiencing fears and self-doubts and want to know if they are doing the right thing. Everyone needs to talk. And there are questions that even leaders don’t always have immediate answers to. Sometimes, simply saying, ‘I don’t know yet, I’m still thinking about it,’ can help.
Connection
PProvide encouragement and emotional support. Take the pressure off. Don’t always start with to-do lists. Show interest in others’ moods. Ask questions. Whether on the phone, via email, or in an online meeting, the choice of tool is not crucial. How you show interest, however, is very important.
Harness the power of appreciative communication. Internally and externally. Provide orientation and ensure clarity. In the long run.
never stop evolving.
stay human.
[ Communication | Human | Brand ]
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gil com | creative identity and beyond
For connecting communication + promoting personal growth, brand authenticity, a motivating corporate culture, and opening up new spaces for creative thinking.
Claudia Gilhofer:
Creative Planner, Communication Psychologist in Training, Systemic Business Coach, Facilitator, Mentor, Sparring Partner, VR Expert (XR-C)
