When working remotely, the ability to anticipate problems is essential to success. When we are not seeing each other everyday, being one step ahead of the setback and working proactively, rather than fall into fire fighter mode is advantageous. There is a difference, however, between anticipating problems and dwelling on them. As Einstein points out, “Stay away from negative people – they have a problem for every solution.”
Anticipating and planning to overcome setbacks is a positive way to deal with the inevitable issues that arise at working remotely. A practical way to foresee pitfalls is to encourage others to identify and anticipate problems and share their thoughts.
Leading a remote team, it is important to actively listen. When we are provided ideas, feedback and information that will make it easier for us to achieve team goals we should consider it fully. Even if the solutions presented are not able to be implemented, it is advisable to talk through the reasons why not, to improve team engagement. When we ask for feedback, we will, of course, encounter people who are just passionate about whinging. In those cases, you may need to redirect the passion to focus on a positive outlook. Help them to use their power for good rather than complaining, suggest that they focus on finding a solution rather than whinging about the problem. When you redirect their focus, the passion and energy can be leveraged fto improve the situation.
In addition to anticipating setbacks, instilling a practice of anticipation of successes is also a great motivation for remote teams. Empowering the team to anticipate and feel the elation of the expected success will serve as inspiration to keep moving towards the goal. The team will feel like winners before they have achieved the goal and that is a powerful driver to keep going.
Anticipation is one of the most integral aspects of successful remote working. Anticipate setbacks to remain in a proactive space and anticipate successes to keep the energy of the team high so they sail through the setbacks. A remote team comprising of winners takes the time to anticipate problems and plan how they will overcome them. They recognise that making plans for potential setbacks is smart but dwelling on them is not, they do not tolerate whingers. Winners love operating in the positive environment gained by anticipating success. Winners see the successful possibilities that whingers cannot visualise because their minds are filled with all the reasons why they cannot succeed.
We all love winning so implementing a practice of anticipation without attachment into the remote teams makes a lot of sense. This will develop a team of winners to closely engage with. Winners are fun, flexible, willing to learn new things, provide solutions and support to each other. Teams of winners are not willing to settle for the new normal they are rising to remarkable and anticipating what will help them get there.
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