What is your role at Daedalus?
President. I am one of the owners and I do staff and business development and project management.
What’s your day-to-day like at Daedalus?
I start each day with a list of about ten things to do, and then by the end of the day I have done five of them plus five other things that came up during the day. My solo work at my desk is punctuated by planned and unplanned meetings and calls.
… and how has this changed with WFH (Working From Home)?
Not that much, but here is what has changed:
The Daedalus team is doing a brilliant job of keeping our clients, their colleagues, and their project managers informed about what they are doing. However, when I leave my desk I end up finding out what is going on with my family instead of what is going on with people and projects in the office. So, even though there is a lot of digital connecting, I am much more aware of issues at home than usual. I like that a lot but miss the spontaneous social and collaboration that happens when I walk from one end of the office to the other.
Where is your home office?
My older son just graduated from college, got a job, and didn’t move back home (every parent’s dream). So, my office is in his former bedroom.
What is your favorite part about your WFH setup?
My dog sleeps near my desk most of the day, which is good but quiet company.
What has been your biggest challenge so far?
When I am in the office, I almost subliminally know what is going on with everyone’s work, workload, stress levels, etc.. Even though there is a lot of communication and collaboration tools and methods we deploy, I miss the feel that I got for everyone and their needs with almost no effort.
Any helpful WFH tips?
I listen to a lot of foreign language pop music. It is upbeat, but because the lyrics are not in English, it doesn’t interfere with my reading, writing, and thinking. Right now, I am all about the French hip-hop, which my 16-year-old finds hilarious. Not because it is French, but because I am listening to hip-hop.
Thinking you know when you don’t is always a problem, but for me it is a particular problem when we are not altogether in one space. Ask for regular updates from people and check-in frequently whether or not you think a check-in is needed.
Do you think working from home will become more popular once the pandemic is over?
I do think it will become more popular, but not dramatically so. People who are concerned about culture and collaboration will be reminded of the value of working together physically. For example, you won’t have to keep turning your microphone on and off during meetings. ; )