Remote leadership
In this particular situation, managers also have a special role to play in terms of security, sensitivity and stability. They are required to proactively manage even more areas of tension than they are already doing today. It’s not a stretch to say that while freelancers or the self-employed may not need to manage, they do need to work with managers whom are not necessarily ‘’their boss’’ and even at times - often in the role of an expert - exercise management skills in order to help their project succeed.
Managers are required to design tasks and work orders in such a way that they can also be easily processed from home so you could be certain you’ll need to integrate your ideas and maybe even experience here. The only way working with companies remotely remains profitable is with effective time management. That is something that can be effected by the decisions of managers. In these volatile times, managers have to be much more aware of the workload of their team - especially for employees who work remotely. Some employees will be less busy than others.
This has to be designed and supported in such a way that, despite the inequalities after the first wave of crisis, the teams can work together effectively again and “free time” can be used effectively. It is particularly critical for success that managers manage the balancing act between daily operational work challenges, future-oriented design measures and ensuring stability and act with empathy in the process.
Remote collaboration
Now you have considered the managers, we must remember that all employees are also responsible for promoting good cooperation. Creating such conscious moments can make an extremely positive contribution to a more culture-defining “new” sense of togetherness and thus have a positive effect on commitment and productivity (especially in times after the crisis).
As a freelancer or self-employed person - be it a new team or a team you know - you are a part of this process. It is once again important to imagine the thoughts that move a colleague with whom you are currently communicating (walk in their shoes) - do they have all the information? Was the manager you are working with able to ensure they were briefed properly? Was that your job? Apart from that, it is always good to keep in mind that new problems need new perspectives, but ultimately a result must be achieved.
We recommend listening to as many colleagues as possible remotely, but arriving at a clear result and relying on management processed to do so. For you as a self employed person or freelancer, a higher level of assumption of responsibility - this must now be continued on the basis of trust - and can also serve as a reminder the remote way of collaborating does and can work.
Taking The Right Steps for Implementation
For freelancers and self employed people especially, many have gladly said goodbye to expensive day hire meeting rooms and co-working spaces. This has meant their many projects have taken on new ‘’disconnection’’ in terms of that ever present need to meet in person. This is to say, people are making the decision to manage their freelancer and self-employed networks as agencies in orbit. For those in these positions, or even for companies who may be researching this topic and have found themselves here, let’s explore some key steps in making this transition and giving it the best possible chance to thrive.
1. Set vision and strategic goals
Development of a vision and derivation of specific goals for a common direction: meaning, make a list of what you want to achieve. These could be things like higher team satisfaction or sense of contentment with working circumstances, savings costs or reducing carbon emissions.
2. Analyze stakeholders, office situation, costs and define baseline
Analysis of the stakeholders in order to determine their involvement, as well as the existing areas, processes and costs to identify inefficiencies in the existing area concept (e.g. high operating costs, low utilization, outdated technologies) and to determine the baseline.