Remote account management: are we there yet?
Considering the impacts and solutions possible working in a remote world.
Photo Courtesy of Unsplash
Remote work environments are the new norm- but it’s hard for anyone to argue it feels like normal work, especially anyone working in account management. While the working world has adapted to operating in a COVID-19 world, it has taken considerable adjustments for us to get here.
It’s difficult to grasp what’s changed without looking at the bigger picture- after all, remote work has offered many benefits. Breaks for lunch don’t involve a lunchbox, gym time is traded for a mid-day walk, and the kids can come home from school to a snack, not TV… at least, theoretically.
While it’s possible to do more with less energy spent getting there, this working ecosystem can make independence the norm and teamwork less achievable. Traditional office environments provide natural benchmarks for our mental health and project longevity; while working at home, in an attempt to do everything, we can end up accomplishing a whole lot less.
To an account manager, these missing traditional internal connections (often called “water cooler chats” in the old days), can be the difference between keeping a client satisfied and ensuring deadlines are met. They also provide valuable connections across departments, that often lead to new business opportunities.
So, if the remote world can be more challenging for work, why does it still seem preferred?
Take a seat, reader, as the answer may scare you- employees like working as little as possible. While that may sound like an oxymoron, it’s pretty much common sense that people like being productive- which in-office usually means occupying themselves with Flappy Bird while waiting for an email reply. In the remote world, this time is filled with other office needs so employees can finish tasks for the day- thus leaving behind the “locked in the office” mentality.
Further, remote work offers opportunity for diverse candidates looking to fill roles that would otherwise feel less accessible in traditional work environments. For example, workers with reading disabilities could use at-home software to expedite project turnaround; similarly, many enjoy less time spent on looking “work appropriate” as well as the ability to operate without unwanted interruptions.
Working at home is not going away- so how can we make it feel more like work?
The key is connection, and it’s easier than you think.
Keeping connected doesn’t need to take time away from current projects- in fact, it should expedite them. The major factor in making the strategy of connectivity effective is to do so in a personal way; stay up-to-date with client’s personal life milestones, celebrate the achievements of coworkers and instill operational methods of creating a “team effort.”
Some fun examples of maintaining remote connectivity include an established hour where all team members are online for a project, sending personal thank-you’s to sales representatives, and even wine nights- get creative!
Remote work is a changing world, but standardizing expectations within a team can ensure everyone is supported. Challenge your current habits by instilling new methods of connection- you’ll notice an improvement in projects, people and prospects!
