Leadership by Laptop – your “new normal”
Into week 5 of “lockdown” in the UK – maybe longer where you are – and I feel we are beginning to see a reduction in the number of times we hear people talking about “when this is all over”, “when things get back to normal” and “exit strategy”. Covid -19 is here and until vaccination/testing/immunity, which are all months away from what I read, it is here to stay.
The language is now that we will not “switch” back to life as it was, but we will gradually “turn the dial” and reduce the measures we have been living with in recent weeks. Some countries have implemented new rules – for example restrictions in numbers and time spent in malls in the UAE, still with social distancing. In the UK there is celebratory talk (on social media, if that counts) at the possibility or re-opening a small number of Greggs stores, a popular food to go retailer, famously of vegan sausage rolls. Where I live in rural Warwickshire, the local Fish & Chip shop has reopened, resulting in traffic stopping queues in the evening sunshine, made longer by distancing.
Many of you will still be working from home so leading your teams by laptop has become routine, if not always as effective or enjoyable as being together in the same space. My recent Online Learning sessions have been helping leaders remain effective and help them adjust to what may remain a new way of working, even in a world where C-19 is less of a threat.
Being a leader involves a range of activities and attributes, and there are thousands of books, Ted Talks, academic course and training on the topic. But leading through a laptop means one aspect should be tweaked before we get on to strategy, engagement, results and other leadership issues.
You have to be seen and heard.
We are all influenced by first impressions, and in our Zoom/Teams/Webex/Adobe Connect/Facetime/video calls, we are not always doing this well, at least in terms which affect our credibility.
I use an ABC of First impressions to keep things simple, where A is for Appearance.
Here are a few tips to help avoid some of the things you will have noticed while on your recent online calls:
- Get your webcam at eye level (fine if you a desktop, but with a laptop get a stand – as illustrated).
- Get dressed. I watched a Zoom call with Emilie West on Personal Brand. For us guys, a shirt with a collar makes a difference, and my striped shirts now look destined for the charity shop.
- Background – having played with Zoom’s virtual background the Golden Gate Bridge is now a cliché, so go for something authentic but not too distracting. Not everyone likes my bookshelf, but at least its far enough away not to be able to read the titles.
- Light – to be seen you light from the front, not the back. That may mean moving your computer, using blinds, some even use a spotlight.
- Be heard – have a zoom call with your family or dial up some friends and ask them what you sound like. Could be time for a new microphone if you can find one at a reasonable price.
Good leadership involves getting the basics right, not just talking the right language. It you cannot be seen – especially your eyes – and heard, your leadership credibility will not come across. It has further to travel these days.
I will add in some more tips using the B and C next week. But if you are keen, call me.
Buzzwords of the Week – Return on Investment
Definition – measures the gain or loss generated on an investment relative to the amount of money invested. ROI is usually expressed as a percentage and is typically used for personal financial decisions, to compare a company’s profitability or to compare the efficiency of different investments.
Alternate View – sounds good to talk of “RoI” but bordering on the irrelevant in business. Sometimes RoI is talked of when looking at what profit might be made on capital expenditure, but it all depends on how you measure the return, and what type of investment you are making. Way too vague. And right now, very little appetite for future investment, unless the return is immediate.