2020, how you surprised us!
January, February, full of good courage and with great plans in mind, I went to work. Covid-19 in March (Corona in the Netherlands) changed that.
From 45,000 kilometres of driving per year to working more than 40 hours per week on a screen at home. Last year I experienced beautiful moments. Yes, even during the pandemic. Because it was precisely during this situation where we all stay at home as much as possible that I enjoyed my family, friends and relatives more.
We had both good and bad moments. We got to know the Netherlands in a new way as a holiday destination. And we also had to miss each other because we couldn't be together because of Corona. Even though it was from a distance we had a lot of fun together. From birthdays with family and friends via Zoom to late night drinks and even live bingo via Teams (Of course I sent the bingo cards in advance).
I'm incredibly proud of the customers who immediately turned the switch and made the step to working fully online. I already worked online. My bag containing my laptop, notebook and writing utensils is my office. Since the start of Social Sales I have been working entirely in the cloud. Everywhere they serve tea and sandwich I can work!
Business plans were carried out after all. Actually, the moment was right for it. I was able to work on great projects where the team effort always delivered the success. Projects that already demand a lot from teams in a 'normal year', let alone a year with Covid-19 and lockdowns. I write teamwork because working together is so important. Without good cooperation with clear, clear communication, this project would never have been a success. In a time where we mainly communicate via Teams, Zoom and Meet, where the inbox is even fuller with e-mail and where you leave one message after another on voicemails is working together and doing it together key!
By the way, working together also means getting to know the person behind the screen or the phone. I always try to find the connection in every collaboration or project. The connection with the person behind the person. Last year I already wrote about sincere attention and personal contact. The past year has shown that this is exactly what we miss most during a lockdown. Just putting an arm around someone, hugging them or sparring face-to-face with each other. Digital may be the solution to maintain contact, you don't really have personal contact with it. And this year is more than ever about being together and really paying attention to each other.
Why I think it's important to invest in the other?
I am aware that it takes time and that time is precious. I also understand that you can't always be busy investing in relationships. Nevertheless, I choose to invest in precisely that relationship. It enriches the collaboration, you understand each other better and it provides a lot more fun.
How do I do that?
By giving sincere attention and communicating openly with occasional humour (at least I think it's humour) you open the door for the other person to be themselves as well. Although my days were mostly ruled by Teams, Meet and Zoom meetings, I consciously choose to pick up the phone and make time for a conversation. Every month I called a couple of people I hadn't spoken to for a while. By the way, I also call people I don't know yet. Immediately after I have received an invitation from them via LinkedIn, for example. This results in the best conversations!
Unexpected and fun!
By doing something unexpected once in a while, you deviate from the standard. Last year I sent a lot of chocolate bars and bubbles because it was people's birthday or they moved. Each time with a personal card. Want to bet that the other person got a smile on his/her face?
I also sent a message to the people I had communicated a lot with in a week via Teams of Whatsapp to wish them a nice weekend.
It's those little things that make all the difference. I hope that the situation of the past year in particular will make us appreciate the personal weather more and that we make time for each other to put energy into the relationship. This will make everyone's world a little more beautiful!
I wish you, also on behalf of Ilona and the kids, a merry and warm Christmas with great food and a fantastic 2021!
