Common Key Mistakes in Hybrid Work and How to Avoid Them

I’ll never forget a meeting I once had with, Michelle, a senior executive at a large company. It took five emails, two follow-ups, and one confirmation call with her assistant to find a time that fit her calendar. I showed up at the appointed time. Nearly ten minutes later, Michelle walked into the room, greeted me, and immediately said, “You picked the worst time for this meeting. I have a big presentation I have to give later today.” I offered to reschedule, but instead Michelle asked her colleague to come in and take her place in the meeting while she stayed there prepping for her next meeting on her phone.

The whole situation was bizarre. I felt more disrespected by Michelle sitting in the room on her phone than I would have if she had just excused herself and allowed her colleague to take the meeting. I couldn’t help but be reminded of Jim, the great employee I had once almost lost. That feeling of being undervalued and disrespected stays with you. Why would I ever recommend Michelle to anyone in my own network? Who knows how many great opportunities she’s lost over the years as a result of treating others so poorly?

Moreover, in the hybrid world, it sometimes seems like we have too many options and an equal number of opportunities for potential disaster. When should we email, and when is it better to text? When is a…