The new normal isn't really normal

The new normal isn't really normal

Consulting and contracting aren't the same thing. They can be, but like hiking and mountaineering I used to conflate the two. Consulting is like leading a group where there is no route. You might know where you want to go, but you aren't sure how to get there.

My first consulting gig was with Zillow. A few marketing groups were sending internal communications to the same audience but misaligned in their messaging. My client wanted to reign it in. She needed our help to persuade the others. The SOW was vague, rightly so.

Just turned 50, it felt like I'd finally arrived: a good hourly rate, a sexy downtown office. The problem was, my contract started in March 2020. Within two weeks the real estate market turned upside down and no one cared about continuous improvement projects. They were trying to keep the lights on.

Schools began closing and everyone panicked over toilet paper. My wife and I, both contractors, feared for our jobs but my agency vowed to keep me working. What followed for the next two years was a run of messaging work with Cisco, what they called "secure remote work," as employees fled the office overnight and employers had to fight cyber crime.

My client didn't like the phrasing remote work because it sounded uh, remote. But there was a newfound safety in distance. For the first time, it felt like other people were threats. And from a cybersecurity standpoint, criminals were taking advantage of IT vulnerabilities, so we had plenty of Cisco products to sell. I was happily employed, working from home, marketing products about how to secure workers...working from home.

We called it the new normal: like, buckle up, this is the way it is now. And many of us learned how to collaborate and be productive in ways we never thought possible. But meeting people in person is different because we form a deeper connection. I think it's a necessary ingredient to human relationships because it establishes a layer of trust and helps us know each other better.

My first week at Zillow was the first time I had people decline to shake my hand upon introduction. That was four years ago, and I still wonder whenever I meet someone new, should we shake? Fist bumps don't cut it.

This past week I finished up a project and was on a group chat with about 30 colleagues sending congratulatory notes and memes, emojis, friendly bits of gratitude. It felt great but it isn't the same as being together in person. And I think that just may be the way it is now, which isn't new anymore—and probably not normal.

Marca Clark, MSOD

I build strong organizations by growing people's potential, skills, commitment, and capacity for change.

8 个月

Great perspective Bill Pearse! It'll be interesting to see what happens in the work world over the next five years. People do seem hungry for connection but also mighty attached to the flexibility and freedom of WFH. A paradox indeed!

Lori Stackhouse/Delaney

Seeking a fresh and challenging opportunity to advance my career! Account Executive, Business Development Manager, National Sales Director, Branch Manager, Operations Manager

9 个月

My first full remote position was with Randstad Sourceright as a Talent Delivery Manager. This was a big change for me to embark on and leading a very large team virtually. As time went by I watched our President Scotty Parrish very closely as she is a true leader of the people. She held a welcome call with me as did my RVP. We didn't talk about work they both truly wanted to learn who I was and let me know about their lives. BAM there it was I needed to get to know the people who were working with me. Over the next several weeks I set up a call with the team I led getting to know them. What makes them tick? As a leader it is you who sets the tone. How you manage one person is not how you manage another. Hold everyone to the same standards but managing people is to find out what motivates them. Nothing changes in that no matter whether in person or virtually. Now I needed to bring an offshore and onshore team together So evidently there is a limit of characters I can type in comments so here it is. CULTURE is everything whether in person, hybrid or remote in any industry!

Brad Patt

Region President

9 个月

One key element of our Company's success is our culture. Post-COVID, many real estate agents work remotely, and it is challenging to establish a supportive and collaborative culture in such an environment.

Bruce Jenkins

Writer / Psychologist (Ret)

9 个月

From clan caves to individual crannies. Something primal buried in this smooth mix, Bill. I notice the greeting thing too, especially playing tennis, oddly enough. No-one is sure how to begin and end the match. Stay well, my friend.

Marie Gill

Unlocking Human Potential | Flourishing-focused leadership

9 个月

Great job capturing how so many of us feel! Im reminded of the many people coming up behind us who will not have the perspective and appreciation for what good social interactions can be.

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