Haley Wonsley, Senior Account Manager, Explores Techniques to Stay Relevant, Engaged and Future-Focused
From telecommute productivity tips to sidewalk chalk messages of hope, we are all trying to cope with our new reality. Team Intesa is right there with you. Even though we’re not in our physical offices, we’re continuing to work with our clients during this incredibly challenging time. We’re coming up with creative ways to be engaged and offering strategies and tactics that keep us all focused on the bright and successful future we’re all looking forward to. During this unpredictable time, we’re finding solace in silver linings – from spending more quality time with family to finding online opportunities to sharpen our skills. Here’s what the past few weeks have taught me (and my teammates).
Staying Connected
So far, the most significant impact I’ve felt during the COVID-19 pandemic is the lack of human connection. By nature, I am a total extravert. I recently took a personality survey that categorized me a 79% extravert with a passion for exploration and social engagement. I love people and I crave that connection that inspires collaboration and ingenuity! Working remotely and missing crucial human interaction has led me to really value how important our relationships are – both professionally and personally — and the need to find creative ways to maintain them.
A fellow extravert, our founder, Margie Newman, has embraced the snail mail method by sending cards to our Intesa family, which is her thoughtful way of letting others know they are top of mind during this stressful time. In fact, my card sits next to my computer as a reminder that connecting with others can (and should) continue, especially now that we’re all (hopefully) staying home and being safe. Another way to connect is by signing up for interesting webinars – there are a lot out there – where you can learn something new or strengthen your skills.
Keeping our creative juices flowing
Like so many people, Zoom videoconferences are now a mainstay in our lives, helping us keep in touch. It’s fun to see my Intesa peeps at our daily 9:30 a.m. check-in meeting where we go over urgent work issues and chat about what’s going on in our lives – from scout bees invading Margie’s house through her chimney to sharing crock pot recipes and polishing PR pitches. A couple of days a week we spice things up with a costume challenge to the delight of our families who think we’re all crazy.
Helping our clients keep the public informed
While costume challenges are fun, they’re just a small slice of our day. Our team was psyched when C-SPAN’s “Washington Journal” featured two of our amazing clients who are on the frontlines of the U.S. COVID-19 response. Watch Regeneron Pharmaceutical’s CEO and Healthcare Ready’s Executive Director to learn more.
Maximizing the “gift of time”
One thing in particular that’s changed for me is the phrase: Time is of the essence. It just doesn’t resonate like it used to. Like many of you, I am (or was) a commuter. Now that I’m not sitting in traffic every day, telecommuting from home has given me extra time to explore new ways to be productive. I know this isn’t possible for everyone – especially parents who are challenged with child care, home schooling and doing it all while juggling full-time jobs, but there are some folks who may be able to use this “gift of time” in a positive way, taking stock of their career, health and lives. This unique moment can be a good opportunity to examine personal and professional goals to see if they’re being being met: Do they need to be revamped? Are there gaps?
You may find that giving yourself time for honest professional self-assessment spurs you to action. You could develop strategies to improve productivity, take more walks or create an organizational system for your home/work environment. Whether you’re coming up with a new tagline or making major life decisions, take some time to explore, reflect and go for it!
We’d love to hear from you.
Let us know what you’re doing to get through this crisis. We hope you’re staying safe and healthy and that we can see you face-to-face soon. Should you need anything, we’re here for you. Together, we can think beyond the ordinary to truly create a lasting impact. What do you want your future to look like? If you need a little encouragement to switch into that mindset, get in touch!
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