Top Takeaways Tuesday Review: Leading in a Virtual World
The Knowing Self Knowing Others Podcast, Ep. 58 with Gwen Stirling Wilkie
Hello KSKOers
I had another very interesting discussion on the podcast, this time with Gwen Stirling Wilkie about self-awareness, relational dynamics, virtual work and shifting mindsets. Take a read of my top takeaways and there are also some reflection questions for you to pause and ponder. Share your thoughts, ideas and feedback in the comments.
1. The Potential of Virtual Work and Shifting Mindsets: Our discussion on the shift in mindset towards virtual work highlights the potential it offers for increasing the art of the possible. We talked about the importance of reframing participation, preparing for meetings, and decoupling physical presence from active engagement in virtual work environments. Gwen’s insights prompt reflection on how people and organisations can really shift their mindset to fully embrace the potential of virtual work.
Reflection question: How can you challenge ideas about physical presence and active engagement in your organisation?
"I think the art of the possible is far greater than perhaps we give ourselves credit for, in the virtual world."
2. Importance of Self-Awareness in Leadership and Organisational Development: Gwen's emphasis on self-awareness and the impact of self on others, particularly in her work as an organisational development consultant, stresses the significance of understanding your own influence. You are encouraged to consider how enhancing your self-awareness can contribute to your effectiveness as a leaders and your collaborations within your organisations.
Reflection question: How can you develop greater self-awareness to enhance your impact and influence?
3. The Omni Working Framework for Hybrid and Virtual Environments: Gwen's introduction of the Omni Working framework, developed from her doctoral research and conversations with leaders, provides a valuable approach to addressing the challenges of hybrid working and leadership in uncertain work environments. She describes Omni Working as, “Work effectively in all ways, from all places“. The framework offers a comprehensive guide for people and organisations to integrate the principles of Omni Working into their operational and strategic approaches.
Reflection question: How can organisations leverage the principles of the Omni Working framework to effectively navigate the complexities of hybrid and virtual work environments, fostering productivity and employee well-being?
4. Building Relationships and Trust in Virtual Work Environments: We talked about the importance of building relationships and trust while leveraging enabling technology in virtual work environments. As remote and hybrid work models become increasingly common, it prompted us to reflect on how organisations can nurture strong relationships and build trust across dispersed teams.
Reflection question: How can you be proactive in developing meaningful connections and trust across your virtual work environment?
"Bridging social capital is just as important as bonding social capital, and we need to be aware of where both are used and where both can be used really, really effectively."
5. Adapting Ways of Working for the Future: Our discussion sheds light on the need for people and organisations to adapt their ways of working to new environments, including hybrid and virtual work, in order to compete in a rapidly changing world. We encourage you to consider how you can proactively adapt you way of working to thrive in the evolving global work landscape.
Reflection question: What changes and adaptations can you make to embrace the opportunities presented by shifts in work environments and practices?
How can you use these top takeaways and reflection questions (TTRQ)?
Pick one of the TTRQs
Share it with you team
Ask for their thoughts and views. Reflect, discuss and debate
Get to know your own thoughts better. Help others to know their thoughts better. Get to know each other better.
Share your thoughts here with us on what you’ve discovered and learned.
Hope you enjoy the episode and find that these TTRQs generate interesting and awareness raising discussions!
Looking forward to having you on my learning journey!
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Nia is an expert leader who talks the talk and walks the walk. She is an academically awarded thought leader in self-aware leadership and practices self-aware leadership every single day in her role as a Director in a Children’s Charity.
The mindset aspect of remote work is an important but neglected topic. Thanks for this!