This is the third in Forum Solutions’ five-part series: Business Value Creation - Post Pandemic, designed to help businesses create value in the wake of COVID.

Company culture can be a distinct competitive advantage, but how do you build culture in this environment? Leaders are the critical cultural connection between company vision and employee development. In virtual environments, leaders need to build upon current norms and adapt their styles to engage employees in new ways, foster creativity, celebrate innovation and build trust while driving forward to the company’s strategic priorities. To successfully fulfill this important piece of the puzzle, leaders must be diligent in the following behaviors:

Communicate in new ways: In a blended virtual/in person environment, employees do not hear the latest business decisions and project updates at the “water cooler”. This can leave remote employees feeling isolated and overlooked for important insight. Leaders must fill the gap, regularly communicate to put employees at ease and keep them engaged in frequent and intentional ways. Meeting purposes must be set, and context provided at the start of the meeting. Desired outcomes and how decisions will be made must be clearly stated. Build upon the existing modes of communication and networks within your company to support new structures and rituals that can flex over time. This includes how you conduct 1:1 meetings, team meetings, and track goal progress. Frequent and intentional communications will keep teams apprised of the latest information and organizational needs as well as allay anxieties in virtual environments.
Be present: Setting aside specific time (and sticking to it) for 1:1’s with direct reports is crucial to maintaining employee engagement and productivity. This personal connection has an important additional purpose: checking in on employee health. Working virtually can be stressful for employees who are used to regular interaction with colleagues and leaders outside of meetings and decision-making settings. When conducting 1:1’s virtually, it is imperative to validate mutual understanding by confirming approaches and outcomes, planned next steps, and key takeaways. In the meeting, watch non-verbal cues for insight into what employees may be hesitant to discuss.
Set the tone: Leaders demonstrate the behaviors expected from teams and state them clearly. What are the new norms to support your team culture? Do you expect to have cameras on for remote calls? Reiterate your mission and values regularly and call out how they align with day to day work. Demonstrate balance and attention to physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs as it sets the stage for employees to follow your lead.

There has never been a more important opportunity for leaders to shine, create meaningful connections, and make a difference.

Forum Solutions’ five-part series: Business Value Creation - Post Pandemic includes:

Forum Solutions is a management consulting company that helps Seattle’s business and nonprofit leaders to build and implement effective strategies for transformative growth and sustainable results. Forum offers clients the right skills for every job: strategic expertise, lean execution, and agile resourcing – improving businesses at any level – from the executive suite to the individual contributor.

Business Value Creation – Post Pandemic: Crafting Leadership + Culture

Employing Data & Analytics to Better Manage Higher Education

Business Value Creation Post-Pandemic: Confirm Your Vision and Set Your Strategic Priorities