
Executive Spotlight: The Skills Executives Need To Succeed In Today's Hybrid Workplace

The workplace looks a lot different today than it did a couple of years ago. With the rise of remote work, many companies have permanently adopted a hybrid work model. This change has impacted employees and management alike. But in order for companies to stay competitive and build on their successes, their executives must develop the skills necessary to lead in today's hybrid workplace.
We recently asked our successful executives what skills they think leaders need to succeed in today's hybrid workplace.
Here are their responses...
Melodie Turk, Learning Experience Executive
Every executive in a hybrid workplace needs a good time management formula.
You need to be able to spend time on your actual deliverables, you need to spend time with your direct reports—not only directing work, but in personal development—you need to spend time with your department or organization, and you need to spend time in strategic planning. This list could continue but plotting out the hours for each time description adds up really quickly, such as 15 hours for deliverables, 5 hours for direct reports, 10 hours for organization, and 3 hours for strategic planning. Now, you only have 7 hours left for ad hoc meetings, innovation, your own development, putting out fires, etc.
Knowing that you need to be more intentional with your time is key. Intentional plotting out your time on your calendar (and sticking to it) is critical. Having others understand your time priorities is essential.
Melodie Turk is a learning experience executive with a unique background in the learning and development arena as well as change management. She is passionate about bringing change to the workplace—change that is meaningful and change that will last.
Lisa Perry, Global Marketing ExecutiveImage from Bigstock
We’ve seen more changes in the workplace over the last two years than in the previous two decades. In these two years, we’ve learned quite a bit about working remotely including how to enhance leadership skills in this new work environment.
Here are five skills executives need to succeed in today’s hybrid workplace:
1. Communication: Executives need to be great communicators from increased listening skills, more in-depth and personal conversations, focusing on written communication, to enabling informal interactions.
2. Trust: Trust is even more important in today’s hybrid work environment. With less managerial oversight, organizations are empowering employees to do their work. Conversely, employees have had to be confident that work is being assigned fairly.
3. Accountability: Without being able to see people to generate an understanding of their productivity and performance, executives need to hold employees accountable for their outcomes and results.
4. Flexibility: The people who will thrive in a hybrid workplace will not only be flexible. They’ll be agile to adapt to changing circumstances, be creative problem solvers, and have a degree of open-mindedness.
5. Virtual Innovation: A study of Microsoft employees shows how remote work puts productivity and innovation at risk. To drive innovation in a hybrid work environment, have open communication and encourage working sessions.
Lisa Perry helps companies build leadership brands, driving loyal customers & delivering profitability. She does this through a process that builds brands consumers love. Her goal is to help companies develop, monetize, and grow their brands. Dr. Hannah Hartwell, Learning & Development ExecutiveImage from Bigstock
The most successful executives who are managing well in today’s hybrid work environment provide clear and consistent expectations. Having clear expectations has always been important, but now even more so. Clear expectations also involve having crucial and vulnerable conversations about any other factors that could impact work. We have all gone through this pandemic together, but people experienced it differently based on their own situations. It’s important to recognize and acknowledge the differences. Have those conversations with your team and ask how you, as the executive, can provide more direction or support.
One of my mentees recently asked me how she can better advocate for herself at work. I asked some probing questions, and her concerns were about expectations. She felt inspired to have a vulnerable conversation with her manager and enthusiastically shared that she knew exactly what was expected of her moving forward. As executives, it’s important for us to open our hybrid office door to facilitate those conversations.
Dr. Hannah Hartwell is a learning and development executive and change management practitioner with 15+ years of business transformation experience in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, higher education, and professional services industries.
Percy Leon, Digital Media Content ExecutiveImage from Bigstock
Here are some of the most important skills executives need to succeed in today's business world:
1. Communication: The ability to manage remote teams effectively. It's crucial for executives to know how to manage a virtual team.
2. Leadership: The ability to lead change. Executives need to be able to lead their teams through times of change, whether it's a change in the company's direction or a change in the market.
3. Set Boundaries: Make sure they separate work and personal time. Sometimes this can be a challenge if executives also play at the same space they work at.
4. Creativity: The ability to come up with new and innovative ideas. This includes thinking outside the box and coming up with creative solutions to problems and also building their brands.
Percy Leon is a digital media content producer specializing in educational technology and entertainment. He is interested in web3, metaverse, and the use of virtual reality for storytelling.
Andrea Markowski, Marketing ExecutiveImage from Bigstock
In a hybrid environment, there is one thing that is often overlooked: equity.
Imagine: Your team is split, and half you see regularly in person while half are 100% remote. It could be quite easy for you to “forget” the remote folks because, as they say, out of sight, out of mind.
What this means is potentially giving the juicy projects and even more job advancements to team members that you interact with in person, while those who you never see get left out.
Or, those who are in the office more often might have access to more resources, equipment, and even social opportunities than those who work remotely, giving them an advantage.
Managers should make a deliberate effort to be equitable and fair with opportunities in hybrid environments. Greater visibility does not mean that someone is more productive or a higher performer. Be aware of any biased opinions you may hold due to informal, in-person networking.
Andrea Markowski is a marketing director with specializations in strategy development, digital tactics, design thinking, and creative direction. She has superpowers in presentations and public speaking.
What skills do you think executives need to succeed in today's hybrid workplace? Join the conversation inside Work It Daily's Executive Program.
From Your Site Articles- 3 Biggest Red Flags To Watch Out For In A Hybrid Workplace - Work ... ›
- 6 Key Leadership Skills All Successful Managers Need - Work It Daily ›
- 3 Important Personal Leadership Skills All Leaders Must Have ... ›
- 5 Easy Ways To Develop Your Leadership Skills - Work It Daily ›
- Hybrid working models leverage talent and skills | McKinsey ›
- 5 Ways to Become an Effective Hybrid Workplace Leader ›
- Hybrid Workplace: Are your leaders ready to lead effective hybrid ... ›

We get it. Looking for work can be scary, especially if you’ve been at it for a long time and haven’t gotten any results.
Understanding which fears are getting in the way and how to overcome them will make all the difference. Sometimes you might not be aware of which obstacle is getting in the way of your goals. If you want to overcome these fears once and for all, we invite you to join us!
In this training, you’ll learn how to:
- Utilize strategies for coping with your job search fears
- Be confident in your job search—from writing your resume to networking
- Face your fears and move forward
Join our CEO, J.T. O'Donnell, and Director of Training Development & Coaching, Christina Burgio, for this live event on Wednesday, October 5th at 12 pm ET.
CAN'T ATTEND LIVE? That's okay. You'll have access to the recording and the workbook after the session!

Interview questions are not as straightforward as they seem, and answering just one question incorrectly may put you out of the running for a job.
The takeaway? Be ready to read between the lines.
Here are seven of the most common interview questions, what the hiring manager is really asking, and how you should respond:
What are the most common interview questions?What the hiring manager is really asking...
"How does your education, work history, and professional aspirations relate to this position?"
How to respond: Select key work and education information that shows the hiring manager why you are a perfect fit for the job and for the company.
For example, a recent grad might say something like, "I went to X University where I majored in Y and completed an internship at Z Company. During my internship, I did this and that (name achievements that match the job description), which really solidified my passion for this line of work."
2. "Where Do You See Yourself In 5 Years?"What the hiring manager is really asking...
"Does this position fit into your long-term career goals? Do you even have long-term career goals?"
How to respond: Do NOT say you don't know (even if you don't) and do not focus on your personal life (it's nice that you want to get married, but it's not relevant). Show the employer you've thought about your career path and that your professional goals align with the job.
3. "What's Your Greatest Weakness?"What the hiring manager is really asking...
"Are you self-aware? Do you know where you could stand to improve and are you proactive about getting better?"
How to respond: A good way to answer this is with real-life feedback that you received in the past. For instance, maybe a former boss told you that you needed to work on your presentation skills.
Note that fact, then tell the employer how you've been proactively improving. Avoid any deal breakers ("I don't like working with other people.") or cliché answers ("I'm a perfectionist and I work too hard.").
4. "What Motivates You To Perform?"What the hiring manager is really asking...
"Are you a hard worker? Am I going to have to force you to produce quality work?"
How to respond: Ideal employees are intrinsically motivated, so tell the hiring manager that you find motivation when working toward a goal, contributing to a team effort, and/or developing your skills. Provide a specific example that supports your response.
Finally, even if it's true, do not tell an employer that you're motivated by bragging rights, material things, or the fear of being disciplined.
5. "Tell Me About A Time That You Failed."What the hiring manager is really asking...
"How do you respond to failure? Do you learn from your mistakes? Are you resilient?"
How to respond: Similar to the "greatest weakness" question, you need to demonstrate how you've turned a negative experience into a learning experience.
To do this, acknowledge one of your failures, take responsibility for it, and explain how you improved as a result. Don't say you've never failed (Delusional much?), don't play the blame game, and don't bring up something that's a deal-breaker ("I failed a drug test once...").
6. "Why Do You Want To Work Here?"What the hiring manager is really asking...
"Are you genuinely interested in the job? Are you a good fit for the company?"
How to respond: Your goal for this response is to demonstrate why you and the company are a great match in terms of philosophy and skill. Discuss what you've learned about them, noting how you align with their mission, company culture, and reputation.
Next, highlight how you would benefit professionally from the job and how the company would benefit professionally from you.
7. "How Many Couches Are There In America?"What the hiring manager is really asking...
"Can you think on your feet? Can you handle pressure? Can you think critically?"
How to respond: When faced with a seemingly absurd question like this one, it's important you're not caught off guard.
Resist the urge to tell the interviewer the question is stupid and irrelevant, and instead walk them through your problem-solving thought process. For this particular question, you would talk about how many people are in the U.S., where couches are found (homes, hotels, furniture stores), etc.
As with other parts of the job application process, it's a good idea to solicit feedback from family, friends, and former colleagues. Try out your answers to each of these questions with at least two people, then revise based on their feedback.
The importance of preparation before an interview cannot be stressed enough. The more you practice, the more confident you'll be. If you successfully answer the most common interview questions, you'll be sure to stand out to employers as a great candidate for the position.
Need more help with your job search?
We'd love it if you signed up for Work It Daily's Power Hour Event Subscription! Get your career questions answered in our next live event!
This article was originally published at an earlier date.
Read moreShow lesscommon interview questions and answers {"customDimensions": {"1":"ZipRecruiter, Jenna Arcand","3":"interview questions and answers, job interview questions, how to answer common interview questions, common interview questions and answers, job search, career advice, career success, tell me about yourself, where do you see yourself in five years, how to answer whats your biggest weakness, tell me about a time you failed, why do you want to work here, tricky interview questions, whats your biggest weakness, why are you interested in this job, most common interview questions, interview prep, interview preparation, interview process, interview tips, interviewing, job seekers, interview help, job interview tips, job interview advice, interview questions, common interview questions, job search tips, career tips, job interviews, interviews, job interview prep, job interview preparation, where do you see yourself in 5 years","2":"popular","4":"10/14/2022"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 14, "sections": [0, 370480899, 376489574, 404327439, 543270555, 479660731, 473333499], "buckets": [], "authors": [19549333, 19836096]} } Popular How To Address An Incomplete Degree On Your Resume Jessica Holbrook HernandezJenna ArcandOctober 14, 2022There are typically two different situations that a job seeker with an incomplete degree can be in. Either you didn't finish your degree and don't plan to, or you're currently completing it. I know job seekers in both situations and there is a great way to handle the incomplete degree scenario.
So how do you address your incomplete education on your resume?
Let's look at both scenarios: those job seekers currently pursuing a degree, and those who've decided not to return to school.
How do you put an incomplete degree on a resume?How you put an incomplete degree on a resume depends on which scenario applies to you: you didn't finish the degree or you're currently pursuing a degree.
Didn't Finish The DegreeI personally think it's important to include your degree or coursework on your resume, especially when it's related to your current or desired career field. There are two ways I would suggest tackling this:
1. List the college you went to, the program area you studied, and dates you attended school. You're not including a degree here because one was not awarded.
2. State the university you attended, relevant courses you completed (especially if they're related to a position you're pursuing), and dates you attended the school.
You have to be careful when including this information on your resume. You don't want to mislead an employer into thinking you have a degree that you don't have. This can come back to bite you if you're offered the position and they fact-check.
Plus, the goal here isn't to deceive anyone into thinking that you have a degree you don't actually have. The goal is to include any education you have received—which, in my opinion, is important to show.
Currently Pursuing A DegreeYou should absolutely include information about pursuing a degree on your resume—especially if the position requires whatever degree or certification you're pursuing. There are two great ways to handle including this information on your resume:
1. State the college you're attending, degree you're pursuing, your area of study, current GPA (if 3.0 or higher) and include your anticipated graduation date; this is very important if your graduation date is within the next 12 months.
2. List the university you're attending, degree you're pursuing, area of study, current GPA (if 3.0 or higher), and the words In Progress. This works well if you're still going to be in school for a couple of years.
If the degree or certification is a requirement for the opportunity and it has been recently obtained or will soon be completed, I recommend putting your education information at the top of the resume.
If the degree or education you have isn't required or directly related to the position, put it at the end of the resume. This is also the case if you want to share with the employer that you have some education but you don't want to advertise that you didn't complete your education.
No matter if you're a college dropout or a current college student, your resume can look complete and professional with these two strategies!
Need more help with your job search?
We'd love it if you signed up for Work It Daily's Power Hour Event Subscription! Get your career questions answered in our next live event!
This article was originally published at an earlier date.
Read moreShow lessincomplete degree on resume {"customDimensions": {"1":"Jessica Holbrook Hernandez, Jenna Arcand","3":"resume tips, resume help, interviewing, job search, job search tips, resume, incomplete resume, resume template, resume examples, currently attending college resume, currently studying cv, how to address an incomplete degree on a resume, how to put some college on resume, how to write pursuing degree on resume, incomplete degree on resume, jobs for incomplete degree, pursuing degree, how to put incomplete degree on resume, how to list incomplete degree on resume, incomplete degree, resume advice, resume writing, career, career tips, career advice, young professionals, incomplete education","2":"popular","4":"10/14/2022"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 14, "sections": [0, 370480899, 376490053, 376489574, 404327439, 543270555, 479660731, 473333499], "buckets": [], "authors": [19549361, 19836096]} } FeaturedAP by OMG
Asian-Promotions.com |
Buy More, Pay Less | Anywhere in Asia
Shop Smarter on AP Today | FREE Product Samples, Latest
Discounts, Deals, Coupon Codes & Promotions | Direct Brand Updates every
second | Every Shopper’s Dream!
Asian-Promotions.com or AP lets you buy more and pay less anywhere in Asia. Shop Smarter on AP Today. Sign-up for FREE Product Samples, Latest Discounts, Deals, Coupon Codes & Promotions. With Direct Brand Updates every second, AP is Every Shopper’s Dream come true! Stretch your dollar now with AP. Start saving today!
Originally posted on: https://www.workitdaily.com/leadership-skills-for-hybrid-workplace