1) Technology
During lockdown remote working technology has been adopted in the workplace. COVID-19 has forced us all to embrace remote working techniques. Examples include Zoom and cloud based document sharing. Most of us have already recognised the time and cost savings associated with remote working. There is also the added benefit in terms of a work-life balance. Managers will increasingly face challenges in managing their teams from afar and putting their leadership skills into practice. For instance, a significant issue is the challenges of monitoring and motivating a team of remote workers.
2) Change management
Many of us have needed to adapt to different roles and new ways of addressing our client base as well as looking at our leadership. This might be moving to an online delivery model or to transforming the products which you offer. For instance, some gyms have switched to offer an online workout subscription service. The traditional role of the gym instructor will change when the demand for this service continues. At First Intuition, we have quickly embraced the delivery of online courses and workshops to meet our customers’ needs. It is not yet clear whether the classroom approach, which we know and love, will recover to its previous levels.
3) Building new teams
For many businesses the unwanted, but inevitable, outcome of COVID-19 will be cashflow problems and a slow recovery during what promises to be a fairly deep recession. Teams will need to operate on a shoestring and more people being asked to cover wider roles than before. Strong leadership and management skills will be needed to support your team as they settle into their new roles, adapting work practices ready for “the new normal”.
4) Create a learning organisation to drive innovation
Following an economic shock of this type companies will face a period of change and will need to be innovative. In the past, successful companies succeed in challenging environments by adopting a learning culture. They are able to draw on the skills and ideas from the whole workforce to help drive a business forward. Investing in the development of leadership skills and strong managers, who are in turn are able to develop their staff is a major leap towards creating this successful innovative environment.
5) Maximising opportunities
For many businesses, valuable skilled staff have been placed on reduced hours or periods of furlough. When the lockdown ends you will need these staff members to fit back into the business and drive the business forward with enthusiasm and skill. The government apprenticeship will fund up to 100% of the programme for your team to obtain a level 3 or level 5 management qualification. Who would not put these two opportunities of extra free time and government funding together to equip your management team for the challenges ahead?
Our management programmes are offered as apprenticeships or commercial programmes and can be tailored to suit your business needs. We are delivering our full programme through a virtual classroom environment throughout the lockdown. Please contact Aimee Knight AimeeKinght@fi.co.uk or Jo Dyson jodyson@fi.co.uk for more information. We are happy to talk about our programmes and discuss how we can help you to take your business forward.
To find out more about the programme click here.
To find out more about the CMI please visit the CMI website here.
