Social Distancing not Emotional Distancing

If you had asked anyone in 2019 what would be the word to enter the Lexicon for a new decade; no one would have guessed it would be "Social Distancing. For many of us, the new ways of doing our once carefully crafted social and working lives has been the disruptor to our counterpointed agility that we were preaching about in our MBA classes, our workforce cultural engagement sessions and well..lets admit it everywhere.AGILE DISRUPTORS has been a catchy enough buzz-word.

Then someone tagged 2020 into the ring and it would appear that all the buzz-words may have been just that. A bit of buzzing with no real sting. We were supposed to be the most prepared generation for business disruption. At the end of the day, as the chips so ungraciously fall down the real threat to our humanity (and human resources) is how social distancing has revealed an emotionally distant and artificially intelligent generation. Its cold. I know.

But it does not have to be. If this time in the world has taught us anything, it has been the value of human relationships, the creativity of thought and the mission of purpose. You see these 3 counterpoints to the Great Disruption (and new Great Depression) may be exactly what you need to re calibrate your business (and personal) course or to prevent your ship from not just sinking but sailing.

SOCIAL DISTANCING IS NOT EMOTIONAL DISTANCING.

A. Focus on your Relationships

The concept of the team has for a long time hinged on physical togetherness. And while that may be ideal it is far for important to have a common purpose.

But show people they also matter equally as individuals. As leaders and colleagues the secret to a good relationship is and will always be going out on a date and continuing to get to know each other. Set some time aside to connect (authentically) with each of your team members. Whether as leaders or as colleagues, check in on how they are doing but also where they have a specific need. Inclusion generates synergy. When was your last coffee date with a friend, a colleague or your employee?

Be honest and authentic — always. But act with grace. Part of authentic interactions is not making messages stale and generic. After all, we are not clones but individuals with unique needs. Tailor your message around that. Whenever possible, give people personal attention and care. And offer it. When news of a crisis hits, meet with your employees one-on-one. Be open to feedback from your teams and seek it as much as possible.

Empathy and Expression. What you say and how you say it can go a long way in growing mutually beneficial relationships. Always start with the positives eg. , “We want you to flourish and will do our best to take care of you even though we may not be here in the future.” It is true that some of your team may leave you in the future, but be certain that those who remain are watching the way you respond in a crisis and how valuable people truly are in the organisation. TRUST IS WON AND LOST RIGHT HERE.

Establish what makes your people tick and do your best to meet those needs. There may be some people who can’t handle the uncertainty; in those cases, do what you can to help them even if it means helping them find another position at another organisation. Yup. I said that.

Do not be afraid of emotion. People are going to be upset, afraid, and angry. Don’t overlook the reality of these feelings... especially negative ones. Instead, make room for them. Dismissing emotions drives them underground and makes them more deeply felt. Tell people that you’re available to talk whenever they want.

Engage the Introvert too - enough said. With TEAMS, ZOOM , SKYPE etc dominating our lives , it may be prudent to note that these forms of team connecting favour the extrovert. Make time for exclusivity and ensure participation and engagement of all team members in group interactions. Break away into small groups where possible too.

Laugh. Things are pretty serious right now, but when weren't there? Take some time to engage people on a human level but also take time for appropriate humor. It is part of some great medicine.

I am going to use the next few days to shape up the remaining 2 counterpoints to disruptors for business future-proofing in the next few days. The importance of the Creativity of Thought and the Mission of Purpose. I would like to get some of your thoughts as well on what your teams are doing and what your leaders are doing to make you feel more connected and valued.

Remember its Social Distancing Not Emotional Distancing

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