I was sitting at my computer looking at a screen filled with many other people. Not long ago this was a unique experience, but now ZOOM is part of our vocabulary and remote work is the norm. Leading in person is challenging enough, but remote leadership can be even more difficult.
I have had the opportunity to be a part of a remote team for many years now. I never really thought of it that way because we are all part of one organization and spread out all over the world. As I have been a part of that team and watched others lead remotely, I found that if we do a few things well it helps the team connect and continue to move forward.
Communication
“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” George Bernard Shaw
Nothing gets accomplished without communication. When we are part of a remote team this requires greater intentionality. I was talking to the CTO of an organization about how they do hybrid work. He said they make sure when everyone is in office on a particular day they have purposeful meetings.
When leading remotely communication must be proactive and purposeful. As part of a remote team, I may send an e-mail to make sure I don’t forget to share a thought with someone. I may send a text to clarify before acting. As the leader we need to initiate communication and respond in a timely fashion.
One caveat on communication. Do it, but also set clear boundaries for you and your team. I would encourage some form of “office hours” so people have realistic expectations on after hours return communication. This clarification protects the overall health of team members and reduces stress. As a remote leader I encourage you to communicate more than you think you need to and discern when you need to reduce the frequency.
Clear Expectations
“Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.” Brene Brown
When a team is distributed we have to lead with more clarity. We can’t wander around the office like the manager in Office Space checking on people and constantly looking over their shoulder. (Nor would I necessarily advocate that kind of leadership anyway.) Whether in person or remote an important role of the leader is to provide clarity. Expectation clarity is even more important with remote teams.
Lazlo Bock who led Google’s people functions for ten years said in an article in Harvard Business Review:
“When it comes to company direction, policies, and values, being clear is the kindest thing you can do . . . .When people know what’s happening, they can make the best choices for themselves.”1
We want people to have autonomy and freedom especially when working remote, but we need to create clear boundaries. Just like the fence around a playground gives a child freedom to play wherever they want inside the fence, clear expectations do the same for our teams. One final idea on this. Clarity requires communication therefore give your team time to access you for questions and clarification.
Maximize Technology
On this remote team I have been a part of we have had a difficult conversation. The issue needed to be dealt with and it was going to be several months before we were with one another in person again. The leader of this conversation had us all get on ZOOM.
Why? 
When we have a conversation 93% of our communication comes through our tone of voice and body language. We can remove over half of the communication cues by only having a phone conversation, therefore we should leverage technology. When we are on a video conferencing platform, we can see facial expressions along with hearing their tone. This is essential especially for difficult or complicated conversations.
Another way to maximize technology is by being accessible (within boundaries). As the leader you may need to have a quick conversation that may have been a walk down the hall in person. Remotely this may be a text, instant message, FaceTime call, or phone call. Be aware of when you are reaching out to respect boundaries but utilize technology to keep communication open and candid.
As you think into your leadership, how are you doing in these three areas? What is one action step you can take to communicate, set expectations, or leverage technology more effectively in your leadership? Need help thinking into your leadership? Contact me for a powerful coaching session to help you think into your leadership. Lead Well.
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- Bock, Lazslo. “5 New Rules for Leading a Hybrid Team.” Harvard Business Review. November 17, 2021.
