5 Unstoppable Habits to Become an Effective Remote Manager

A staggering 91% of employees want to work remotely at least some of the time, and 16% of companies now operate without an office. Mastering the art of remote management is a key skill for any leader. 

Especially you!

1. From Manager to Coach

Guiding Your Team to New Levels of Excellence

Your role extends beyond assigning tasks and monitoring progress.

As a remote coach, you become a catalyst for growth, empowering your team members to unlock their full potential and excel in their roles.

This Involves

• Setting clear and attainable goals: Establish a roadmap for success by working together with each team member to define clear expectations and measurable objectives. This ensures everyone is aligned and they understand how their individual contributions impact the bigger picture.
• Providing constructive feedback: Feedback shouldn't be feared – it's a valuable tool for growth. Offer regular feedback that's specific, actionable, and delivered in a supportive and encouraging manner. Celebrate successes while also highlighting areas for improvement, helping your team learn and continuously develop their skills.
• Cultivating a learning environment: Foster a culture where asking questions is encouraged and mistakes are seen as opportunities for learning. Provide access to resources and training opportunities, allowing your team members to stay up-to-date and continuously expand their knowledge base.

2. Forget Micromanaging, Embrace Empowerment

Building Trust and Unleashing Potential

Micromanaging can be the kryptonite of remote teams, stifling creativity and hindering productivity.

Instead, embrace empowerment by trusting your team members to take ownership of their work and make sound decisions. 

This Involves

• Providing the necessary tools and resources: Equip your team with the tools and resources they need to succeed in their roles. This includes software, training materials, or access to experts within your organization.
• Encouraging initiative and celebrating achievements: Foster a culture where initiative is welcomed and rewarded. Celebrate individual and team accomplishments, both big and small. This reinforces positive behavior and motivates everyone to strive for excellence.
• Building a culture of mutual trust and respect: Trust is a foundational element of any successful team, especially in a remote setting. Demonstrate your trust by giving your team members the autonomy to manage their workload and make decisions. Open communication, transparency, and a willingness to support go a long way in building a strong foundation of trust and respect.

3. Build Bridges, Not Walls

Fostering Inclusivity and Combating Isolation

Remote work can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation. As a leader, it's your responsibility to create an inclusive environment where every team member feels valued, connected, and heard.

Here's How

• Regularly connect with your team: Schedule regular one-on-one meetings and team huddles to discuss projects, address concerns, and simply connect on a personal level. Use video conferencing tools to foster face-to-face interactions and build stronger relationships.
• Organize virtual social events: Go beyond work-related interactions and organize virtual social events like game nights, coffee breaks, or even online fitness sessions. These informal gatherings help build camaraderie, create a sense of belonging, and combat feelings of isolation.
• Promote open communication: Encourage open and transparent communication by creating multiple channels for your team members to connect. Use project management tools, instant messaging platforms, and communication channels that cater to different communication styles and preferences.

4. Results Over Hours

Embracing a Results-Oriented Approach

Forget the traditional nine-to-five mentality!

In a remote world, the focus should shift from the number of hours worked to the achievements and results delivered.

This Involves

• Setting clear OKRs (Objectives and Key Results): Define clear and measurable objectives for your team and set key results that track progress towards those objectives. That way, everyone is aligned on priorities and understands how their individual contributions impact the bigger picture.
• Empowering flexible work arrangements: Recognize that your team members have diverse lifestyles and work preferences. Offer flexible working hours and encourage them to structure their workday in a way that best suits their needs and maximizes their productivity. Trust that they will manage their time effectively and deliver quality work.
• Measuring success based on output and quality: Evaluate your team's performance based on the quality of their work and the results they achieve, rather than the number of hours they work or their physical presence in the office. This encourages a culture of accountability and ownership while also allowing your team members the flexibility they need to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

5. Communication is Key

Mastering the Art of Two-Way Dialogue

Clear, consistent, and transparent communication is the lifeblood of successful remote management.

This Involves

• Setting clear communication expectations: Establish clear expectations for communication frequency, preferred channels, and response times. This makes sure everyone is on the same page and avoids confusion or frustration.
• Practicing active listening: Don't just listen to hear, listen to understand. Pay close attention to verbal and nonverbal cues, ask clarifying questions, and acknowledge your team members' concerns and feedback.
• Providing regular updates and keeping everyone informed: Share information regularly, keeping your team members updated on project progress, company news, and any changes that might impact their work. This transparency creates trust and helps them feel engaged and connected.

The Road to Remote Management Success

Effective leadership is a continuous learning process. Stay adaptable, open to feedback, and committed to growing alongside your team.

Embrace these habits to become an effective remote manager and lead your team to success, from wherever they are in the world.