![]() This matters as much for the CEO as a first-time manager. Rather, for leaders, it means being creative and intentional to make sure you’re seen when it matters, rather than promoting a general “butts-in-seats” approach. This doesn’t mean rescinding virtual arrangements - all indications are that they’re here to stay as a preferred normal. With 2023’s economic capitulations and a remote/hybrid workforce, it’s important for leaders to be in front of their teams - and in person - as much as possible. When leaders disappear, we get really concerned. I want to hear Anika explain the restructuring before I decide what to do. If Sam looks worried at this all-staff, then I’ll worry. Even the most well-worded email can’t convey emotions accurately.Īs it turns out, it’s the leader’s face time that counts the most.Įspecially in times of uncertainty, we use interactions with leaders to stay in the loop and map our behavior. As the late Sigal Barsade’s groundbreaking research showed, emotions are the primary conduit through which leaders influence other groups. We especially look to leaders in this way. All of the subtle cues we pick up from someone - mannerisms, tone of voice, energy - provide clarity around their motivation and message. While the traditional type of face time is dreaded, we shouldn’t let it be equated with all face-to-face interaction, or we miss an important point: Interacting with people helps us understand what they care about. His workplace, like many others, are finding that the return to “normal” isn’t going so well. Despite establishing in-the-office guidelines, workers aren’t returning in force. I recently spoke with a CEO who lamented how much harder it is now to see what people are working on and to pop in for quick conversations. ![]() Most often, the people asking for face time are leaders trying to get people back in the office, hoping to reclaim pre-pandemic patterns. Now that remote and hybrid work environments are professional norms - and seemingly staying that way - employees are ready to relegate what we’ve traditionally known as “face time” to the archives. Research reinforces what we know intuitively: Being seen connotes positive traits like commitment, even if we’re just sitting there. Many see face time as a necessary evil because it can feel like time wasted, where they have to show up and be seen for political reasons, not to get meaningful work done in the most expeditious way. Tell a group of employees you want more face time and prepare for sighs and eye rolls.
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