Twice in the last week I’ve been asked the same question: “Can I work remotely and still have a career path with my employer?” That’s kind of a trick question, because it largely depends on the employer, but in general the answer should be yes—if you’re willing to put in the work. There is a difference between a job (employment and a paycheck) and a career (a continuing arc of … [Read more...]
Coaching and Feedback at a Distance
When we talk to leaders of teams, the one part of the job most feel they could do a better job of is coaching their people. This feeling of “not quite being as good as we could be” is heightened when we work remotely from the people we should be developing. On the surface this requires frequent, targeted, purposeful conversations. You can have those remotely, so why does … [Read more...]
Not Burning Out on Re-Entry: How to Successfully Return to Work from Vacation
Space travel is a lot like your summer vacation. There is a ton of preparation, and at any minute an emergency could scuttle your plans, but finally you’re ready to go. You take off (on holiday) and after a moment of panic you are floating calmly in the tranquility of space (or the Poconos. This is your vacation, you pick). All is peaceful and serene until it’s time for … [Read more...]
Long-Distance Leaders: How Much Do You Trust Your Team?
by Chuck Chapman, Content Strategy Coordinator It's sad, but it's true. Some leaders view their employees more like children than professionals. In their minds, if they aren't watching every second, work won't get done. And don't even think about allowing people to work off-site or remotely. How in the world will any work get completed without the expert "supervision" … [Read more...]
Overcoming Remote Leadership Phobia
by Chuck Chapman, Content Strategy Coordinator I have a phobia. I used to think it was a fear of heights, but that's not really it. A few years ago, I figured out that my fear is actually of falling, not of high places. As long as I'm secure, like inside an airplane or enclosed in glass like in the observation deck of a skyscraper, height doesn't really make me anxious. … [Read more...]