What leadership looks like in a time of crisis and you’re physically absent

As we collectively reflect on the past several months, the construct of time is shaky and sometimes feels as though it has disappeared altogether. While we have been unified by our perspectives of “normal” being drastically altered, we also desire navigation, guidance and reassurance through these unfamiliar and distressing times. Individuals are grasping for a roadmap of how they should operate amidst a sea of constant discordance. We've looked to health organizations for steps on how best to protect ourselves from this virus, local government officials for how to safely reopen, and equal rights activists on how to effectively be an ally for vital diversity and inclusion initiatives.

The activity sparked in reaction to the onset of Covid-19 initially served as a distraction amid chaos. Converting complex technical workflows to fully remote operations practically overnight incited our team to action, keeping heads down and remaining fully focused on the task at hand. While anxiety and unease were certainly omnipresent as our perceptions of reality crumbled around us, collective creative problem solving became a powerful unifying force and fostered a deep sense of shared achievement. It’s always a top priority for me to ensure I effectively communicate the value and appreciation of our greatest asset as a company — our team — and empower them to drive success through their unique talents.

Leadership should be driven by the same guiding principles, whether in times of crisis or times of prosperity. However, this forced shift into virtual collaboration brought to the forefront the vital importance of leading effectively, both in the presence of your team and in your absence. As vast as your team building efforts are, the team is always going to be left with more time and space without overt guidance than with. As internal and external communications shifted to virtual versions, it became apparent that having a solid foundation of direction and support would prove equally effective while physically separated was imperative.

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