Thriving Begins When Organizations Value Relationships
Over the last few months, we’ve addressed the happenings around the world.
We’ve talked about keeping your team engaged during a pandemic.
We’ve talked about being productive in the midst of uncertainty.
And we’ve talked about addressing communication during this virtual time.
We’re now entering month 6 (but who’s counting) of this pandemic, dealing with a whole new way of operating our livelihoods and businesses. And while many organizations have their communication plans in place, the next obvious question is this:
How do we not just survive, but thrive moving forward?
Specifically with our professional relationships.
In this blog I’m going to address how you can build positive rapport with both your vendors & clients, as well as your new hires. My hope is these insights allow your organization to thrive in the midst of our new world; no matter how long this pandemic lasts.
Relationships With Vendors & Clients
Normal for your company is not normal for every company
The reality is that every company and individual is responding to this global pandemic in slightly different ways. Some of which may cause additional worry, or fear, for those involved. Thus, it’s important that as an organization, you consider what may be normal for your vendors & clients; even if that isn’t normal for you.
A few questions to ask include:
Are you okay meeting in person, or would you like to do a video conference?
Is your office requiring masks?
How can we best work together in this time?
Are there any accommodations we can make to ensure your comfort?
9-5 looks very different for every organization
In many companies, jobs are being executed outside of the typical 9-5 schedule. Additionally, with changes to schools, daycares, etc., many families are dealing with the reality of being responsible for both work and home at the same time. While this isn’t an excuse for them not to perform or deliver for your company, it is important to consider being more adaptable in what you may have previously defined as 9-5 work. This will help build trust and empower your vendors and clients.
Relationships With New Talent
Don’t forget to build team chemistry
Since most teams are still working remotely, team dynamics and team chemistry are being lost, especially with new hires. While this is due mainly to logistical challenges, it definitely has emotional ramifications.
With your new hires, consider these things to ensure they feel connected & included:
Define the expectations not directly related to their role (time they should arrive, appropriate things to where, common team knowledge, etc.).
Make time for personal introductions, with each of their direct points of contact (not necessarily just their bosses).
Remind each team member to ask this question: are we including the new hire? While this may seem childish, while working remotely, new hires may be out of site and out of mind; and you don’t want that.
Onboarding requires more intentionality
Odds are, your new hire onboarding process doesn’t come in a digital format. So, you’re going to have to be extra intentional throughout the onboarding process. This means more giving of yourself, your time and probably, your patience.
At a high level, be sure to cover these items thoroughly when you’re onboarding.
Introduction of manager & team to new hire (give plenty of time here).
Thoroughly discuss position with new hire (expectations, goals and next steps).
Provide plenty of institutional knowledge (about the company, leadership and goals).
Create space for cultural knowledge (team dynamics, chemistry, etc.).
It’s no secret that relationships are the currency of power in both life and business, and when it comes to how you build those relationships, both internally and externally, the experience is important.
Yet, in many cases, these relationships aren’t invested in appropriately.
Especially with the challenges of our current world.
My challenge for you is to lean into your relationships with your vendors & clients and new hires. By simply going the extra mile here, you’ll be helping your business not only survive, but thrive.
Relationally speaking, that is.
-E