Ways of working: Perhaps we've overlooked the waves of working?

The phrase "ways of working" has become popular in today's business world. It serves as a guide for our everyday activities, a manual for carrying out specific duties, and a yardstick for evaluating success. But while we're preoccupied with the "ways," we miss the equally important "waves" of labour.

Consider the office to be a vast ocean. The "ways of working" are the vessels plying its waters, navigated by experts with charts and compass bearings. But there are currents beneath these ships, invisible and unfelt but nonetheless potent. Natural rhythms like this might be thought of as 'waves of working,' or currents that affect our ability to get things done and stay on task. They are the invisible winds and currents that can carry or sink our ships.

Waves at work?

Waves, in contrast to the fixed forms of 'ways,' are dynamic and malleable. The mood of the team, the state of the economy, and even the weather can all have an impact. You can experience the ebb and flow at any moment; it is not limited to the hours of 9 to 5.

| On the flip side, failing to ride a wave to its full potential can lead to lost opportunities and unrealised potential.

Is there any reason for concern regarding these waves? The explanation is straightforward: it might be expensive to disregard them. Pushing a team to fulfil impossible goals when they're riding a low-energy wave can result in burnout, sloppy work, and a loss of morale. On the flip side, failing to ride a wave to its full potential can lead to lost opportunities and unrealised potential.

Leadership is essential at this juncture. A strong captain is not just an experienced sailor, but also a master of the seas. Knowledge of the currents and the ability to navigate them are just as important as the quality of the ship and the accuracy of the map, in their opinion. For this, you'll need to keep your eyes peeled, keep the lines of communication open, and be ready to change tactics on a dime.

Observation is the gateway to wave consciousness. There's more to it than merely keeping an eye on key performance indicators. It's about sensing and responding to the nuances of your team's mood, concentration, and inspiration. It's important to be aware of the conditions that precede a wave, such as a sudden increase in energy or a general feeling of weariness.

Communication is an essential adjunct to observation. Make it safe for team members to express their thoughts and concerns. The daily stand-up meeting, the anonymous survey, or the one-on-one check-in are all viable options. The aim is to learn as much as possible so that you can predict how the wave will behave in the future.

| The Importance of Being Adaptable

Once you have this information, it is time to make adjustments. This could involve moving a brainstorming session to a time of peak creativity or redistributing resources to take advantage of an upswing in output. The trick is to be adaptable and ready to alter your course in response to the swell.

When the regimented 'ways' are blended with the more improvisational 'waves,' a harmonious and productive work environment is created. It's a place where work is done precisely, but nobody gets hurt in the process. The productivity of the office is valued, but not more than the employees who make it possible.

So....

It's important to keep in mind that our ships are not alone as we cross the treacherous waters of today's modern workplace. They're influenced by invisible currents that can help or hurt our progress. By learning to recognise these "waves of working," we may not only boost productivity but also foster a more satisfying, people-centered workplace.

Why was this curated?

A simple thought when waking, developed further thinking in the morning...