Working Up

by Dwayne Phillips

After the pandemic, some of us will return to the office building on some days. When? Why? Let’s think a bit.

The pandemic is over, I guess. It is time to commute to the office and work there. Right? Well, maybe.

There are several activities for which online telecommuting doesn’t fit. This is because the computer screen isn’t big enough yet. The chance to talk one on one and two on two isn’t quite right in Zoomer Teams.

These activities in which telecommuting fails fall under… let’s call it “big strategies.” One example is writing a proposal for a contract. We post the requirements for the proposal on the wall. We walk along the wall and talk and post suggestions along the wall. We can stand back and see everything at a glance. The computer screen isn’t big enough to see all that. I can’t talk with the person standing next to me privately while you talk to the person standing next to you privately.

There are other “big strategy” activities like this. More people in the room helps. More people in the room REALLY helps—no inspirational poster slogans, no kidding and no bologna.

Do these gatherings for “big strategy” when needed and only when needed. Allow commuting time. Provide food and beverage. Provide other services (child care is an example) as needed—AS NEEDED!, not as I think I can afford it.

Be prepared for these gatherings. Be organized. Have all the materials and rooms and other resources. Don’t waste everyone’s time!

This last part will be the biggest challenge of those persons called “managers.” Us managers decide that gather is beneficial. Okay, fine. Let’s do our part and manage the work. No excuses.