The pandemic is over. What has remained is a working world that we can describe as hybrid - with challenges for managers that could not be more complex. Offices that are still half empty due to working from home. Video conferences where employees switch off the camera. Customised solutions are needed and required because appreciation is now the big issue. So where to start?
First and foremost with yourself.
Only those who are aware of themselves will be able to master these challenges. Why?
Leadership is always an interaction between at least two people. This means that everyone has a part to play. We should always be aware of this - and thus create the conditions for engaging with the other person.
This first step can be summarised with the term Self-knowledge is the best way to summarise it. By this we mean the wishes, needs and expectations we have of ourselves. Various terms can be summarised under self-knowledge. The following terms help managers:
The Self-exploration begins by taking the time to do this - alone or with external professional support in a coaching session. It's about finding out: What is good for me, what is not? What triggers me? External support helps you to realise this more quickly. The coach asks questions and provides guidance. Their aim is to go deeper and gain insights. He is a good mirror for your own impact.
Becoming self-aware means realising what abilities, strengths and weaknesses I have. I am aware of myself, with all my rough edges. We speak of the Self-confidence. The more I am aware of how I am, what I need and how I come across, the better I can use this to achieve my goals and lead in an appreciative manner.
To achieve my goal, I also need a Self-confidenceI trust myself. I trust myself and trust that I can utilise my skills appropriately. I know what I need to get out of my comfort zone. I can assess myself well. People who lack self-confidence are usually anxious. However, we also know that overestimating your self-confidence can be counterproductive. You always need a good balance of both.
Managers who are aware of their own value are better at leading. Regardless of the management level. I know what I stand for, where my boundaries are and in which situations I am prepared to accommodate others. That has something to do with your own value. Then we talk about Self-esteem.
There remains one last relevant concept for self-knowledge. It is the Self-efficacyI am aware of the impact I have and what I can achieve. What can I achieve, how and in what time?
Leadership in the hybrid working world starts with each manager themselves, by looking at themselves and realising their self-awareness, self-efficacy, self-confidence, self-esteem and self-worth. Everyone should define these topics for themselves - preferably in a coaching session. This is the basis for appreciative leadership in a hybrid working environment. Only then can I engage with others. Dr Annelen Collatz also talks about this topic in her Podcast "Find the core".