Keep Growing
Spring is one of my favourite seasons because it’s a time of renewal and growth.
This is particularly symbolic for me this year. I have been undergoing some significant changes.
Let’s start with work. I’ve hired a creative team to refresh my brand’s look and feel, and I’m very excited to share my brand-new website with you www.chrisobst.com
Although I’ve got a new-look website and added Instagram and Linkedin channels, my focus areas remain the same:
Coaching executives one-on-one
Working with leadership teams on team dynamics
Teaching and speaking on leadership topics
I apologize for the gap between newsletters; I have been immersed in all these changes.Still, that is not an excuse. I coach and advise leaders to stay consistent in their communication. I realize I should have provided an update to you on what was going on behind-the-scenes.
I am a work in progress, and as always, I will be sharing my learning experiences with you.
I started this newsletter 10 years ago, and one of the most rewarding parts about sharing ideas and information is hearing from you.
It reminds me that there is a community that I am having a conversation with and that what I am sharing is positively impacting people. It’s fuel for me.
I am committed to returning to my monthly newsletters, and I want to hear from you and get your suggestions about what you’d like to see in upcoming newsletters.
I look forward to continuing our regular conversations!
Human Connection
In many ways, the pivot to remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic has made us more connected with clients and colleagues than ever before, whether it's through Zoom, Microsoft Teams or another digital platform.
But while we may be sharing more screen time and video chats with each other, many are feeling overwhelmingly disconnected.
This is a recurring theme when I talk with business leaders and teams. Remote work has meant losing watercooler conversations, lunchroom banter and stopping by a co-worker's desk for an impromptu catch-up session.
Maintaining and nurturing these deeper-level social interactions is especially important now as Zoom fatigue sets in, and more and more people feel isolated.
Relationships beyond the screen
Have you tried taking a socially-distanced walk or hike with a colleague or meeting a colleague at a restaurant or coffee shop with an outdoor patio?
Or try scheduling a walk-and-talk, something I like to do. You can be out collecting steps and enjoying the spring flowers while connecting with the person on the other end of the line. This way, you are 100% present in the conversation and not tempted to tidy your email inbox while chatting.
Whether you are on a one-on-one Zoom call or a trail, don't forget to ask some "next level" questions to really engage with your co-worker or client. Instead of discussing the weather or last night’s game, try asking: "How are you really doing?"
Be open and authentic; share your own vulnerabilities and life stories (good or bad). Be curious and be and active listener.
We all have a strong desire to connect with others on a personal level – at home and work. Staying connected during COVID-19 times takes extra effort and planning but don't underestimate the value of it.
Need help connecting? Please reach out.