Leaders, are we effectively showing up to work in person or online?

Our work model has evolved, and many organizations no longer require our full-time presence in the office.

The reality of returning to the office is currently a hybrid environment which offers a balance between in-office and remote work to enhance productivity and flexibility. Many currently communicate through in-person meetings, videos, phone calls, emails, text messages, and other methods. 

This article will highlight how to effectively balance the different ways of showing up and communicating in various situations for the road ahead.

Showing up, ideally in person, makes others feel respected, appreciated, cared for, and unique. This truly matters because you can connect physically, intellectually, and emotionally. This can lead to more effective communication and better creative thinking and collaboration, all of which add to relation-building, loyalty, and trust. In addition, it is essential to show up in person to initiate relationships as an executive onboarding into a new organization, kicking off a new team or partnership.

No matter how we show up to work, in person or online, here are tips on how best we can do so to effectively and fully engage with your team.

On-time: It is respectful to show up on time. This is sometimes not always achievable due to traffic weather or technical delays; however, if you have a buffer to address the inevitable.

Prepared: Prework before meetings is very effective as it maximizes the time allocated.

Fully present: Be sure to show up physically, intellectually and emotionally, giving those you are with their full attention.

Engaged: Others know if you are less than fully engaged, especially if you are multi-tasking with other things while you are meeting with others.

Committed: If you show up, commit to being the best witness, learner, contributor or leader you can be.

Sometimes, all that matters is showing up to witness and support just by being there, checking in, sometimes encouraging and recognizing, actively helping and leading for the road ahead.