The Church Network Professional Journal FALL 2021 | Page 19

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similarities . Just because an employee is sitting in their cubicle in the office doesn ’ t mean they aren ’ t wasting time .
It is easiest to determine if an employee is working , or not , based on their level of productivity . Leadership must work hard to ensure an employee does not have too little or too much work , regardless of where the employee is located . Communication is key to empowering the employee to be as productive as possible . All employees are different ; some may be more productive remotely while others will be less . Accountability is not about spying on employees ; it is about helping them do the best with what they ’ ve got . In a remote environment this does not come as naturally as it does in a traditional setting .
• Employers , you will be held accountable for how well you equip and support your employees whether remote or not .
• Employees , you will be held accountable for doing your best and communicating when you need help .
There are opportunities to “ lead up ” when working remotely , especially if in a period of transition . Employees should reach out and help employers understand their needs . Depending on who is working remotely ( employer vs employee vs everyone ), leading up can help the entire organization . If working remotely is working well for you , communicate and share with leadership and others what is going well . Also communicate what isn ’ t going well and where you need help . Working remotely must not be done in isolation . Employers and employees have a responsibility to communicate with each other to ensure success . Failure is often a result of applying a one-size-fits-all approach in a vacuum and assuming it will work .
NEXT STEPS
• Check to see if there are any communications outstanding between you and those you lead , or between you and those who lead you . A good way to begin is to simply send an email asking if there are any working
remotely topics they ’ d like to talk about .
• Ask those you live with if there is any ambiguity or confusion about how to identify if you ’ re working , and what to do when you are working if they have something they ’ d like to talk about .
• Do you have an accurate sense of your leadership ’ s expectations for you while work working remotely ? If you lead others , can they say their understanding of your expectations is accurate ? Begin a conversation !

Author

Jonathan Smith is the Director of Technology at Faith Ministries in Lafayette , IN and the President of MBS , Inc . He is an author and frequent conference speaker . You can reach him at jsmith @ faithlafayette . org and follow him on Twitter @ JonathanESmith .
TCN PROFESSIONAL JOURNAL FALL 2021
From the Editor continued from page 4
• Follow the advice of your smartwatch – Breathe Deeply … often .
• Know this is a journey and not a race . Set your pace for the long haul and allow stops for rest and water . Not having a clear endpoint or length of the destination make it more difficult .
• Stay connected to those who “ feed ” your soul and spirit . If you are a caregiver or church staff member , remember you need a caregiver yourself . Reach out to a close friend , trusted family member , or former staff member from another setting .
• Move , if the old ways no longer work , find new ones . Do not fall into the trap of “ when this is over ; I will …”
If everyday routines continue to be disrupted , develop new ones . Keep changing and trying to find that new right rhythm that works for this season .
Talk about this in your communities . Bring it up in staff team , your social groups , your small groups . Ask people how they are doing , and then listen . Dig deeper . An “ I ’ m fine ” may be an opportunity to ask . “ So , tell me more , what makes it a fine day for you ?” Or , “ It ’ s a hard day ” could be followed with ,” I ’ m sorry , tell me more ?” Then take time to listen .
This renewed conversation about the twisties is a great call to stop , acknowledge and lean into our needs from community , understanding , and love . What better institution is there than the church to be a part of the answer ?