^{Hey there, it’s Karen. Welcome to a weekly newsletter where I share thoughts around how to be more effective leaders and managers. I draw from prior experience as a b-school professor, HR executive, executive coach, CEO, and start-up founder. In all these capacities, I’ve seen how poor leadership can undermine individual and collective success. Let’s learn together.}

Flight Plan? Hybrid Teams all the Way.

In the ever-evolving landscape of the modern workplace, the concept of hybrid teams has emerged as a feature bigger than the Aitken basin on the moon (the largest crater on the moon). Blending remote and in-person work isn’t all dark side - it can offer flexibility and efficiency. However, when it comes to leadership, hybrid teams can be like trying to manage across multiple orbits (anyone else watching For all Mankind these days?). Anyway, it’s safe to say it’s mission critical to understand the state of leading hybrid teams and equip yourself with practical strategies to navigate this terrain effectively.

Systems Go?

Let’s hear from you….I’ll share results soon.

The Current Landscape

Recent studies and industry reports shed interesting light on the state of hybrid teams. Organizations across various sectors are embracing hybrid models to accommodate the diverse needs and preferences of their workforce. A survey conducted by McKinsey & Company revealed that 68% of organizations surveyed have adopted a hybrid work model to some extent. That’s no joke - nearly 70% of organizations have some form of distributed workforce. Who’s using those office microwaves these days?

While hybrid models offer benefits such as increased productivity and employee satisfaction, they have a dark side. Leaders must grapple with issues of communication, collaboration, and maintaining a cohesive team culture across physical and virtual spaces. Additionally, disparities in access to resources and opportunities between remote and in-person team members can exacerbate feelings of isolation and disengagement.

What should a leader do?

To lead hybrid teams successfully, leaders must adopt a proactive and inclusive approach. Here are some strategies for being a great mission commander leader of hybrid teams:

1. Establish Clear Communication Channels: Implement robust communication tools and protocols to ensure seamless collaboration among team members. You think you communicate enough? Nope, you likely need to double it - yes, double it. Be obnoxiously rigid about communication. I think there’s a cap-com reference here but it’s not coming to me.

2. Foster Inclusivity: Actively promote inclusivity and equity within the team by providing equal access to resources, opportunities, and recognition. Yes, that includes finding a way to make up for the fact that Taco Tuesday in-office each week doesn’t include your remote team members.

3. Invest in Technology and Infrastructure: Equip remote team members with the necessary technology and infrastructure to facilitate smooth remote work experiences. Ok, this one is a no-brainer but go the extra mile - good audio and camera set-ups do make a difference. Stipends for home office setups don’t have to be huge to make a difference.

4. Cultivate a Strong Team Culture: The water cooler chats are largely a thing of the past so how are we supposed to find out that Tom PRd his latest half marathon? Consider hosting virtual coffee breaks or virtual lunch hours to facilitate informal interactions and strengthen relationships among team members.

5. Provide Ongoing Support and Development: In a hybrid world this becomes even more important. One way for all members (in-person or remote) to connect and cross-pollinate is to train together. Find ways for people to learn that will have a direct impact on their work and you have a two-for-one : up-skilling and team building. To the moon!

6. Lead with Empathy and Understanding: Demonstrate empathy and understanding towards the unique challenges faced by remote team members, and actively seek to address their needs and concerns. Be flexible and accommodating whenever possible. Yes, this is important with all team members but can slip through the cracks more easily when you are separated by a screen.

Leading hybrid teams may be harder than leading teams in one location but it’s worth figuring out strategies to do this well because this mission isn’t likely to end anytime soon. Roger that Houston!

Want to learn more about hybrid teams?

• McKinsey & Company. (2023). The Future of Work

• Harvard Business Review. (2023). Five New Rules for Leading a Hybrid Team

• Forbes. (2023). Navigating the Pros and Cons of Hybrid and Remote Work.

• The Wall Street Journal. (2023). Four Strategies to Create Connections in a Hybrid Workplace

Well, that’s it for this week. See you next week and in the meantime, consider sharing this email with someone you think might enjoy a weekly dose of leadership related content. Please and thank you!

Lead on,

Karen