When Things Change, How to Stay Sane?
Welcome to a pace of world change that can feel dizzying. Just when we think we have learned to navigate in our new environment, it seems that there is something else worthy of our attention.
AJC Consultant Charae Gibbs has also worked remotely for many years and provided some tips for how she recommends thriving in a remote work environment.
AJC has always incorporated remote work in our business model. During COVID-19 and the unprecedented time of social distancing, that skill served us well. Even before and after COVID-19, AJC has had to kick off projects virtually, though we relish the opportunities we have for in-person connections to deepen and strengthen team bonds and relationships.
Just the other day, a colleague suggested that virtual project initiation was “impossible.” Having done it for all our projects during COVID, we would argue that, while challenging, kicking off projects 100% virtually is very do-able. Two of our consultants, Angie Glawe and Robin Gervasoni, have both kicked off projects having *not even once* met any of their new team members in person.
We have found that when team members are aligned to the need for the project and its ultimate results, virtual kick-offs are a great way to get started with fewer scheduling and travel budget roadblocks.
Like many of our clients, we often prefer a “hybrid” work approach where we can connect interpersonally as well as spend time “heads-down” without interruptions. It is also wonderful to meet with our client team members in person.
Below are some additional tips from AJC’s consulting team on how to continue to stay sane amidst remote work situations or our ever-changing times.
Find 2 mins each day to connect with something beautiful. During an upswing of COVID-19 or other evolving situations, we often spent endless time staring at screens and traversing the same few rooms which typically zaps us of inspiration. By taking a few minutes each day to really engage with something for no other reason than to observe and experience its inherent beauty, can really help us shift our perspective.
Examples:
Admire a recent flower bloom in your garden without pulling any surrounding weeds
Take a walk outside to get a closer look of your neighbor’s tree that stands just outside your window
Find a painting or sculpture to connect with in one of the many virtual museums and galleries that have sprung up
Read a poem
Listen (and maybe dance!) to a song
Maintain your Routine, and ensure your logistics and technology are in working order.
Find new and unique ways to keep teams engaged, like using Mural, Miro, or Jamboards, and share tidbits from your personal life with team members, like about your pet or a key fact about your hometown.
No matter where you are, or what you are faced with, we hope you are able to find the silver linings that help you stay sane amidst all the change in the world and AJC looks forward to connecting with you in whatever way we can.
Change is hard.
AJC is here to help.
Have a big change coming down the pipeline, but don’t know how to address it?
Struggling to navigate your company culture and drive results in the midst of change?
Are your employees tired of change and resist it?
AJC offers a tried-and-true approach to addressing your company’s pain points, keeping your employees feeling positive and productive and driving unparalleled growth.
Our Change Management “Lite” services help you address potential roadblocks, engage stakeholders, and create a smooth transition process, regardless of what changes you and your organization are facing.