Remote resilience: How to instill grit in a virtual environment

Let’s face it: Part of the working world will always be remote.

Despite some major corporations returning to a five-day in-office work week, most employees prefer a hybrid schedule, and some roles are inherently remote.

While we cannot minimize the popularity of remote work or avoid its challenges, we can equip team members to navigate these obstacles and cultivate a sense of grit in a work-from-home environment.

This article will explore effective strategies for training new remote hires and considerations for fostering a remote-friendly culture.

But first, let’s define “grit” and its significance for remote workers.

What does it mean to have grit?

Having grit means having courage and resolve; it involves embracing new challenges rather than shying away from them.

Grit also encompasses the ability to seek solutions proactively instead of succumbing to indecision. In a remote setting, accessing immediate help from colleagues can be more complicated; rather than walking to a nearby desk, you may have to wait on a callback or schedule a meeting.

So, remote workers must learn to manage their situations independently while awaiting assistance. At the same time, they must have role models to base their behaviors after.

Exemplify your expectations

One effective approach for trainers or colleagues to instill grit in new hires is to exemplify the behaviors they expect. This can be achieved by creating dedicated virtual shadowing opportunities.

Related: How to find and land an executive-level career opportunity

Shadowing may occur naturally in an office setting from overhearing a conversation or sitting in someone’s cubicle while they’re on the phone. In a remote environment, these moments must be created intentionally.

It’s also essential that you consistently show up when expected and allow others to witness your commitment to tackling challenging tasks. Sharing personal success stories can provide valuable insights. When applicable, also share the successes of colleague to demonstrate a collective resilience.

Then, you can give new hires the opportunity to put these tactics to the test.

Create stretch opportunities, with a safety net

Providing challenging, or “stretch,” opportunities for new hires, complemented by a safety net, is vital for their growth. Assign them moderately difficult tasks while having a contingency plan in place in case they encounter difficulties. Clearly outlining their objectives, timelines and directions will guide them as they work.

It’s important to recognize that allowing individuals to experience failure can foster accountability and expedite learning, though this may require a degree of tough love. Conversely, celebrating successes with public recognition is crucial to reinforce positive behaviors and encourage continued efforts.

Be solution-oriented

Adopting a solution-oriented approach to problem-solving is also essential. The mantra “attitude is altitude” holds true; while it is natural to feel the weight of a mistake, it’s important to move on quickly and not dwell on setbacks. Sharing these experiences can also serve as valuable team-building moments, reinforcing a culture of collaboration. The focus should always be on identifying solutions and pivoting swiftly when challenges arise.

The takeaway:

Remote work is not a fleeting trend; it’s here to stay. Grit serves as a critical differentiator for team members’ success in remote environments. To effectively teach grit, leaders must demonstrate it, provide opportunities for growth and maintain a solution-oriented mindset.

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