How can business leaders adapt the way they communicate with their remote working teams to have more impact?
We asked Annie Slowgrove, founder and CEO of executive coaching consultancy Fearless Engagement, about how to effectively lead and motivate employees when everyone is working remotely.
For business leaders, communication with their teams is more important now that it has ever been. Staying in touch with your employees, direct reports and colleagues is allowing us to keep our businesses operating, while reminding us all that we’re not alone – we’re in this together.
Be empathetic to the human cost of this crisis. First and foremost, our economy will recover, but our people may not! As leaders, they’re going to need our support and understanding. Communicate the challenge with transparency and optimism, conveying empathy for how people may feel.
Remember that in any kind of crisis, let alone one like this, change disrupts people’s expectations of their future. It unsettles their dreams and plans, reducing their sense of control. On average, the mental noise we each experience reduces our ability to process information by 80%, meaning that,. under stress, people have difficulty hearing, understanding and recalling information. So, be empathetic and supportive.
Dos and don'ts for high-impact management communications
Dos
Keep messages concise and clear. Despite 30-minute virtual town hall meetings, or the email updates explaining all the ins-and-outs of your company’s response to the virus, maybe you aren’t breaking through the noise. So, keep the messages clear and concise, and think about using graphics, visual aids, analogies and personal anecdotes, which can improve processing by more than 50%.
Don'ts
As you look to the future, begin adapting communications towards offering an optimistic and realistic outlook. This can have a powerful effect on employees, inspiring them to support the organisation’s recovery.
The critical things your overall communication style need during any crisis are transparency, purposeful calmness, overt optimism with an ear on reality, and positive message of unity: “we will get through this; together.”
The rising pressure to upskill in 2025, personal development has become a critical focus for professionals across the UK. Recent surveys indicate that two-thirds (66%) of UK professionals now feel increased pressure to upskill compared to just a year ago. This trend is exacerbated by the fact that 7
Read MoreAs the New Year approaches, it’s time to focus on the next step in your professional journey. A new year provides a fresh opportunity to reflect, refocus, and reset your career aspirations. Whether you’re aiming for personal growth, professional development, or improved work-life balance, setting me
Read MoreThe start of a new year is the perfect time for a bit of self-reflection, especially regarding your career progress. Taking a step back to assess what you’ve accomplished and where you’ve encountered challenges can provide valuable insights, guiding your goal setting for a more focused and fulfillin
Read MoreCome join our global team of creative thinkers, problem solvers and game changers. We offer accelerated career progression, a dynamic culture and expert training.