In the last few weeks, I’ve been working with a lot of clients who are unhappy with the communication technology at their disposal. In some cases, the complaints have reached the point where they aren’t just a cause for griping, but people have just thrown their hands up and let it interfere with team productivity. Maybe you hear similar things from your team: “Why are we … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Ruin a Virtual One-On-One
As leaders, we know that one-on-one communication with our team is critical. When we can’t just look out and survey the cubicle-farm to see how people are doing, the little time we get to spend with each employee becomes more precious. That’s why conducting these meetings is perhaps the most important skill a long-distance leader can have. In many ways they are just like … [Read more...]
Get Your Remote MBWA
A client of mine recently started talking to his project managers about getting their “Remote MBWA.” I had never heard of this particular degree, so I asked him what that was. He said it wasn’t some new kind of MBA, rather it means Management By Walking Around. Here’s how he described it to me: "Management By Walking Around" is the term used for the kind of manager who walks … [Read more...]
Are You Ready to Become a Remote Leader?
by Jane Begum Being a remote leader can be quite a challenge. Managing a team you don’t physically see everyday isn’t easy. The role requires creativity and a great deal of empathy. Below, we’ll tackle some questions that every budding remote leader needs to ask themselves to find out whether or not they’re ready to take on the role. Can You Learn to Fully Trust the People in … [Read more...]
Little Things that Add Up for Long-Distance Leaders
You might not have a favorite Greek philosopher, but I do. And you might not think someone who wrote at the time of the Roman Emperor Nero would be relevant to leading a remote team, but you’d be wrong. My boy Epictetus is still relevant. Particularly relevant today is this quote: “Practice yourself, for heaven's sake in little things, and then proceed to greater.” Yes, good … [Read more...]