LEADERSHIP AT ALL LEVELS
WITH GAIL LOWNEY ALOFSIN
VIRTUAL LEADERSHIP
& DIGITAL DIPLOMACY
“The best manners are those that put other people at ease.” – Thomas Farley, “Mister Manners”
C
hange is a consistent reality in all business climates - it happens to be a bit more accelerated during the pandemic. Virtual Leadership, leading remotely, can be challenging. You can mitigate this to a degree as you focus on the power of your presence, interest and response while interacting online. More people are working remotely; what may not have mattered at one point, certainly matters now. With visibility limited, the softer skills of business – replying to emails and phone calls, formally praising an employee via email, making time and investing in your employees, keeping in touch with your team – are all crucial. A few tips to maximize your digital diplomacy: 1. As the military states: “On time is late!” Just like you would for an in-person meeting, arrive 10 minutes early. If you are hosting the meeting, send email reminders an hour in advance with the correct log-in number. There are so many meetings taking place on WebEx, Microsoft teams, Google Hangouts and Zoom – make it easy for your attendees to join. Share content (handouts or documents) your attendees may need to review prior to the meeting. 2. Here’s Looking at You Kid! We have become broadcasters overnight! Put your best face forward. Use natural lighting. Choose an area with 20
IFEA’s ie: the business of international events
Fall 2020
an uncluttered background. Choose carefully if using a virtual background as they can be distracting. Try to avoid broadcasting from your bedroom. If you have to, make your bed and put your stuffed animals away! As mom always said – “Sit up straight!” Center yourself during the pre-video check so your body is in the middle of the screen. Is your face visible? We have all joined meetings where we see the top of a colleague’s head or a view of their nose! Dress for success! Wear “business appropriate” attire. You don’t need to don your suit; yet dressing in something more than sweatpants and a t-shirt will help you assume the “I’m at work” mindset. 3. Your Presence is Requested. Would you walk out of an in-person meeting? Turning off your camera during a virtual meeting is rude. If you have a reason you must do this, explain it to your audience in advance. Make sure you use a business friendly placeholder picture with your name displayed. Checking your phone or email? Don’t be obvious. Try not to “zone out.” Ask questions, be present. Smile. Look into the camera when you talk. Avoid eating. 4. A Kind Word Goes a Long Way. Words are powerful and they make a difference -“thank you,” “please,” “great initiative.” It can change a person’s day and their attitude toward their tasks and job. 5. The Case for Optimism. Optimism? Here’s what’s in it for you: better relationships, lower stress level, higher productivity and happiness. You can choose to focus on what is right with the world and you can choose to be grateful for the success, possibilities and gifts in your own life. It is always easy to complain and focus on what is wrong; triggering swells of negativity in your heart and mind. Leadership begins with you – no matter what your position is in the company. Virtual or in person, be conscious about what you can contribute. Give without expectation of gain. Often, we want something from others, especially when we have done something for them. It’s not about keeping score; being kind yields its own rewards. You will feel peace and happiness. It’s your choice. Gail Lowney Alofsin is the Director of Corporate Partnership & Community Relations for Newport Harbor Corporation/Newport Restaurant Group. An adjunct professor at the University of RI and Salve Regina University, author, speaker and volunteer, Gail lives in Newport, Rhode Island. To date, 100% of the sales of her book, Your Someday is NOW! What Are YOU Waiting For? have raised over $42,000 for non-profit organizations. Visit gailalofsin.com for more info.