HOW I'VE APPROACHED MY ROLE AS A LEADER WHEN IT COMES TO CREATING A COHESIVE TEAM CULTURE

It is business, but it’s far from usual. COVID-19 has transformed our ideas about how and where we work, and put flexibility, adaptability and technology at the heart of the workplace. Our work cultures, have therefore, been transformed as a result of this change.

- JAMES LESTER

Leaders set the culture of a team and are responsible for fostering an environment of connection and cohesion, regardless of where everyone is located. With the pandemic, people from all around the world were suddenly requested to work from home overnight. With the implementation of remote work, we are physically separated, and people miss out on casual hallway conversations, the quick desk huddle or ad hoc whiteboard sessions. Because of this, I’ve made sure to keep inclusiveness and team connectivity front of mind.

As South Asia Country Managing Director, I connect daily with teams located in different geographies across the region and globally. Given the travel restrictions, technology is the best way to connect with people. To keep team members engaged through COVID-19, we constantly send out a ‘Stay Healthy, Stay Home’ weekly newsletter to keep employees updated in changes in company policy and updates to their medical and health benefits. Beyond this, we have been conducting virtual coffee sessions, webinars, and virtual workouts to give staff the support they need during this time.

In addition, I’ve continued to set clear and achievable goals, encourage active engagement from everyone in the team, have open communication and ensure that every single member of my team can directly attribute their effort and output to our greater team purpose.