Bunny Slippers & The Online Board Room

“Convert your business model to a fully functional remote office in 48 hours or less.” No problem right? The truth is, despite having been an early adopter of remote work & distance learning, even I know it’s not as simple as flipping a switch, sending an email, & presto, you’ve converted your office process & work flow model to a cyber team. There are lots of variables, from approval chains & signatures to team dynamics & communication gaps. Anyone who has worked from home for an extended period of time will tell you, it’s not exactly the fanciful vision of meetings in your pajamas & yoga on the patio. Instead, it’s self-discipline; it’s regulated engagement; it’s a learned skillset, unique & constantly evolving.

Give yourself, your team some grace. It’s a process. It’s rife with several of the top 21st century “future proof” competencies - agility, flexibility, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking & more. It takes time to not only do it, but do it well.

There will be technology snafus and dogs barking in the background. Unexpected cameos from teenagers who just have to ask CEO Mom or Dad where the remote is during a just as critically important workplace decision. It's okay. Laugh a little. Have a "Pajama Party" planning meeting. Loosen up a little and tighten up in other key areas where your team needs it most - communication and collaboration. If your team can adapt to change, readily embrace and embody the ideals of engaging and supporting your organizational mission under even the most challenging of circumstances - then what a wonderful team you have and how much stronger will your organization be? Use this opportunity to get back to basics, to get laser focused on goals and development, and to push the boundaries of how work is "supposed" to be.

Think outside of your traditional team. There are a whole host of peers "out here" on LinkedIn, happy to help. Lean on others like me, professionals who have led national teams online for decades, to help coach, mentor & bounce ideas off of; for pep talks & facetimes & “Is this really going to work?” moments of wonder. Remember that nagging question you've had in the back of your head, with every random LinkedIn request you've sent or requested? "What is LinkedIn for really anyway?" If not this, then what? Then when?

We’ll get through it collaboratively. I am here to help, even if you are wearing bunny slippers to our online meeting. Message me and put me in. I'm a natural cheerleader and champion who has seen this victory achieved by many. You and your team are ready for this, but first, let's meet at the cyber coffee and water station for some fuel. We're going to need it to achieve this next herculean feat and new chapter you never realized you'd be great at. Spoiler alert - you and your team are already great. You'll be even greater! #promise