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What changes do you want to see?
Like everyone, I'm eager to return to "normal." At the same time, there are many things that I hope permanently change as we move ahead. For one thing, I hope we never go back to equating face time with productivity. What do you hope we leave behind, significantly improve or otherwise do differently when this crisis ends?
Katie WarrenChronic Illness Identity Coach
116
05/19/20 at 3:29PM UTC
I think being forced to get out of our comfort zone to connect with people virtually will make a huge impact moving forward. I typically meet with clients face to face but myself and my sales team has had to get creative using various social media networks and technology to make a different kind of connection. My sales reps have realized just how convenient a virtual meeting can be and while I always prefer in-person meetings, it has already changed the landscape of how my staff and I prospect and connect!
ExecCareerExecutive Coach | Women's Leadership
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05/19/20 at 10:02PM UTC
Thanks, Katie! I agree. Virtual networking doesn't replace face-to-face connections but it does create greater flexibility and opportunity.
Anonymous
05/15/20 at 4:46PM UTC
I have always worked from home and would travel to client sites from time to time mostly at their insistence of 'things are better in-person'. I've also been turned away from opportunities simply because of this perception even as they have acknowledged I am indeed a great fit for the project. And it is not just me, many have faced this. Geography has ruled our lives!!
Now that in-person interactions is not an option, and everyone is making things work remotely to the best as they can, I hope what sticks is that working remotely is no longer considered a substitute or compromise to 'real work' and conversely those who show up physically are not particularly more effective just because of their physical presence. Like you say - may we never go back to equating face time with productivity!
ExecCareerExecutive Coach | Women's Leadership
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05/16/20 at 12PM UTC
Thank you so much for sharing that, Aparna! I am very hopeful that this "experiment" that has been forced upon us will debunk many of the myths we've long held about the need for face time. I know many people who remained in the office long after they were done doing anything productive simply to be seen as putting in long hours. It's a ridiculous measure of productivity and commitment. Best of luck to you as we inch towards that new future!
ExecCareerExecutive Coach | Women's Leadership
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04/21/20 at 2:04PM UTC
Thanks for your comments, Jillian! I have been thinking the same thing. I'm really hopeful that this will have a positive impact on gender equality moving forward.
JillianM101317
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04/21/20 at 12:19PM UTC
Interesting topic! My company has already indicated they will likely be more supportive of working remotely. Prior to this pandemic, women were more likely to work from home or agree to flexible work arrangements in order to support families, often paying a price career-wise. I wonder if working from home will do anything to shift the scales on this gender inequality?
