The key to managing in the hybrid world? A strong manager <> employee relationship.
If you do not have a solid relationship with your team, managing will feel like an uphill battle.
Why?
Because strong relationships are rooted in trust and you need trust to manage in the hybrid world.
Trust that a Slack message isn’t written angrily.
Trust that work is being completed.
Trust that time isn’t being wasted.
Trust that judgment is aligned.
How do you build a strong relationship with your team?
By getting to know their working styles and listening to what they need to be successful! Ahh communication, my old friend!
Here are some questions you can ask to get to know your direct reports better:
- How do you prefer to receive feedback?
- How do you prefer to receive appreciation or recognition?
- What is your preferred working style? (verbal/written etc)
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How can I better support you as a manager?
- What do you want to accomplish professionally in the next few months?
Listening to their responses and crafting your approach to managing them will be a game changer.
Don’t be afraid to ask your team for feedback on how things are going. If they are afraid to give you feedback that's an indication that things might not be going well and the relationship needs a reset.
