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Remote Leadership

8 Apr 2020

Lauren Bailey Remote Leadership, Sales Leadership Insight

Tooth Fairy Has COVID-19

Last week the tooth fairy didn’t come to my house due to the Coronavirus. Hey, if a tiger can get it, so can a fairy. Frankly, I’m a bit worried about the Easter Bunny. Really:

EPIC. MOM. FAIL.

Me: Boy honey, I’m not sure why she didn’t come. (aw, crap!) What do you think could have happened? (Classic facilitation technique)

Cameron: Well, maybe she got coronavirus?

Me (to self): (Why didn’t I think of that!? Brilliant!)

Cameron: Yeah, fairies are REALLY old.

And then it was done. And I let myself and my husband off the hook. And looks like she got out of quarantine the very next day.

A few more fails to admit to (because if you’re reading this you may need them too):

I never figured out the online school portal. I got into one, got lost, got locked out, went to paper packets by week two. Totally missed “ATI testing” (what is this?)
I’ve consumed more bottles of wine in the past 3 weeks than in the past 3 months.
I’m no longer cooking healthy interesting meals. If the kids want hot dogs, the family eats hot dogs.

So now that I’ve established myself as COMPLETELY credible, here are some things I am doing that are helping:

I’m getting up before they do so I can have a peaceful walk. I’m not good at meditating but I’m great at BASKING. What a beautiful tree, bird, bush, facemask…you get it. I’m a better human this way (and it lasts until about 1pm.)
I’ve scheduled at least 2 hours into every day for mom/kid time. I’m not trying to “sneak away” from either one and feeling like a failure at both. Focused time is better for everyone.. but especially me.
I’ve canceled pipeline meetings and instead I’m asking my team to tell me about what they’re learning. Redefining wins helps us all feel like winners.
The entire team is value-hunting. What can we do to help our clients, our community, our pipeline? We’re doing it with a fervor that actually outpaces how we approached sales. I’m proud of that.
I’m researching degrees in Fortnight (kidding). Kids (2nd, 3rd grade) are easily spending 6 hours/day on iPads and I’m just letting that be OK. They’re learning teamwork, right?
I’m paying for good behavior. We use a chore point system (sales leaders, you’d love my bonus and SPIFF plan). They get an extra point at the end of the day when there is no fighting, fussing, or parental nagging required.
I’m paying for chores. Before Covid, I had a housekeeper who helped me run the house while I ran two businesses. Nope, it turns out it’s NOT humanly possible to do it all. So now I pay my kids. Laundry – check. Vacuuming – check. Dishes, Dogs, Dusting, floors, and toilets! It takes longer the first time, and then it’s gold. They’re earning $15 – 20 / week and I’m adding structure, life skills, and sanitization to us all.
I’ve added more team meetings and made more 1:1 phone calls to check on people. Video happy hours are gold and we figured out how to play virtual cards against humanity one night (that’s because I am the HR department…maybe start with pictionary).
I’ve communicated clearly our intent to keep jobs, cut expenses, add programs and do all we can to thrive with the team. Including my own pay cut.
This one is most important. I’ve stayed positive. I’ve refused to watch the news or engage in doomsday conversations. I get plenty of what I need to know second-hand, but we are all in charge of our own mood, attitude, and outlook. Surround yourself with fear and negativity, and put out more fear and negativity. I adamantly believe that…

The worst thing we can allow right now is fear.

OK, I’m taking a bonus tip to express gratitude. The number one way I’ve maintained some balance and normalcy is due to the help of my amazing husband. I’ve always felt blessed to have such a true partner in life and home, but I’m so wonderfully blessed right now. Where I’ve failed this month he’s stepped up. I feed and wash the kids, he teaches. I cover mornings, he has afternoons. And when I celebrated my 46th birthday this weekend in lockdown, he found a way to make it incredible all the same. Not all of us are as lucky to have someone to help us through the crazy. I’m blessed. Thank you, Steve Sharr.

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Here’s how you can embrace this new reality-01

19 Mar 2020

Lauren Bailey Remote Leadership, Team Engagement + Culture, Sales Leadership Insight

Here’s How You Can Embrace This New Reality

Uncertainty can bring out the crazy. (Fist fights over TP?) In all honesty, I’ve spent the past week stifling eye rolls and trying to maintain some humor. My team email last week included the advice “Please refrain from licking your tray table or french-kissing seniors…”

I see now that I was acting from a place of denial – stage two of accepting change. I’m swinging between stages 5 and 6 now. I’m challenging myself to be a better leader for my team and thought leader for my “Friends of Factor 8” family.

I’m inspired by my #GirlsClub crew exchanging ideas on managing their remote team. Touched by my neighbor offering me taco shells, and strangely excited about trading some pesto for 4 rolls of TP with my bestie. This is us coming together. These chances are all around us and I get a little choked up thinking of the opportunity to be our best selves.

(I’m no saint, I still snuck a dirty look at the man leaving Sprouts with 3 crates of eggs.)

These 7 stages of change helped me and I hope it helps you too. I’ve summarized each stage + some notes on what leaders can do.

1 & 2: Shock and Denial

This lasts longer for some than others. People are unproductive & unsure. Don’t fight it. Don’t judge. Help by booking a video meeting & being a listening ear. Different folks want to discuss different aspects of our situation. Share your situation and strategy.

3: Frustration, Anger, or Self Doubt

When we see the reality and the downsides, we get pissed or even hopeless. Worst-case scenarios cross our minds like missing numbers, losing jobs, Global mayhem. Our job here is to give people time and keep communication channels open and offer encouragement.

4 & 5: Acceptance and Experimentation

It finally sinks in and I may not be happy about it, but I’ve quit fighting it. “It is what is” (That was Monday for me.) In this stage, repeat and reinforce your goals and strategy and build buy-in. Invite compromise and encourage the team to be part of building the solution. Celebrate wins and keep feedback coming.

6 & 7: Acceptance + Exploration

Here we’re searching for the why (or even the silver linings) and incorporating new attitudes and habits into everyday life. Confidence grows. Most of us are a few weeks out from this, but it’s the light at the end of the tunnel. Help by painting pictures of the positive future (but don’t push your rosey outlook before they’re ready). Use reward and recognition here.