Pandemic safety measures have made it difficult for people to remember that they are in a team. Video conferences lack the sociability of meetings held in person. Your teammates might feel stranded in their home offices with their buzzing computers instead.
Humans are social creatures. Your teammates might be missing the feeling of working in the same room. As the leader, it falls on you to keep their spirits up while we wait for the world to settle.
If you want to lift your team’s spirits, here are some suggestions.
1- Make Them Feel Seen
Some of your teammates might be feeling like little more than numbers in the video calls. Be sure to catch up with your teammates in private and ask how they are doing. Allow them to express their feelings to you; then you can work out ways to make them feel included again.
2- Remind Them Of Past Successes
It’s been a long year of isolation and social distancing. This makes it difficult for teammates stuck at home to remember things you have accomplished together. Bring up your past successes during your video calls and remind them of what you are capable of. This is only a pause in your story as a team.
3- Mind Your Words
Managing a team can be stressful, making it difficult to remember that words have a huge impact on how you make your teammates feel. If they’re already having a bad day, letting a negative word slip might drive some of your employees to hopelessness. Before the meeting begins, go over positive words in your head, memorizing them so that you don’t forget to use them.
4- Call Out Their Talents
Some of your teammates might need to be reminded that they are great at certain tasks, like writing newsletters or planning events. Be sure to bring this up when you are talking to them so they do not forget as soon as the call is over.
It’s possible to remain a successful team, even if circumstances are different. Keep your teammates’ spirits up by using these tips so that you can continue to reach goals and work together.