The digitized world means that our employees and customers are operating in an environment that is often unfamiliar and subject to constant change. This requires responsible leadership. The COVID-19 pandemic acts as a catalyst for digitization and the process of change. Responsible leadership that cares for employees and communities is more important than ever. Nearly all companies are currently defining how they want to organize work now and in the future. Speed is crucial so that employees and societies can continue to meet the expectations of their customers, while their personal lives are also changing. The basic needs of employees are always present, but are particularly pronounced in times of crisis.
#1 Build Trust!
Your employees want to trust you. And they do so when they believe that the leaders are just as interested in each individual as they are in the teams and the entire company. However, empathy alone is not enough. Employees also expect leaders to have a plan. Explain to your employees the considerations that drive your decisions. A prudent leadership team that not only reacts but also acts proactively can best help its employees in uncertain times.
#2 Digital Leadership Competence as a Success Factor
The tasks of a leader have gained complexity and diversity in the digital age. Today, it is increasingly important to empower your own employees to act and make decisions independently – without losing sight of specific goals and strategies. To successfully manage this, it is even more important for leaders to be role models in dealing with new technologies and to motivate their employees to use digital tools. Open communication within teams as well as independent, reliable action are prerequisites for ensuring that collaboration continues to be efficient even under these circumstances.
#3 Cultivate Open Communication
Regular exchange is even more important in times of physical distance and digital communication. A good (work) relationship between leaders and their teams is crucial in an extreme situation like the current one. Undoubtedly, working together from a distance is challenging. This is even more so when established processes do not run as usual or need to be completely rethought. This is currently the everyday reality in companies in this country. An open communication culture is even more important when communication is only happening digitally. Especially in a digital team, an efficient flow of knowledge must be ensured so that everyone can contribute efficiently to problem-solving. Progress must be regularly discussed and feedback exchanged.
#4 Foster Personal Responsibility & Reliability
For those working alone at home, the daily routines of the workplace are missing. Currently, normal opportunities for social contact are largely absent. Family and associated obligations, as well as numerous distractions at home, limit time and concentration even further. Therefore, it is crucial to show personal responsibility and meet deadlines and appointments reliably. The good news is that professionals and managers already collaborate well and adhere to common rules and agreements.
#5 Training is the Key Component for Growth
Now, to an unprecedented extent, the digital culture and the necessary skills of leaders in companies are crucial. The current situation offers the opportunity to identify success stories and reveal areas needing improvement. Established digital routines can now be continued even after the crisis, thereby sustainably strengthening the digital work environment in Germany. A proactive and positive digital leadership culture is now a key pillar for increased business success. A forward-thinking digital culture can lead to more satisfied employees, lower turnover, and overall greater business success.
