Master Remote Leadership: Boost Team Success!

With the pandemic changing how companies work, many have shifted to a hybrid working model, while some have avoided returning to the office entirely. If your team has remained fully remote, you’ve likely noticed the various benefits of this working style. It’s cost-effective as you’re no longer paying for an office, and it allows for a better work/life balance amongst team members.

However, remote leadership is about more than simply letting employees work from the comfort of their homes. A strong leader must cultivate strategies to hold team members accountable and encourage them to succeed in their respective roles. Otherwise, employees will be left waiting for orders and feeling confused about how they help your organization reach its goals.

Companies allowing remote work have been shown to have 25% lower turnover rates than those that don’t. So to keep your remote team members happy, there are a handful of effective remote leadership strategies you can implement. Here are six ways to cultivate an efficient, satisfied team from a distance.

Avoid micromanaging

Though it’s tough to ensure each team member is productive when you don’t share an office, nobody enjoys feeling like someone is analyzing their every move. One of the biggest keys to remote leadership is trust. Just because you can’t see what someone is doing in person doesn’t mean they’re not working effectively.

Consider hosting quarterly check-ins with each team member to address your concerns. Of course, if their quality of work is slipping, it may be time for a chat. But if they’re fulfilling their responsibilities, there’s no need to micromanage. 

Foster a social environment 

Just because you work in a virtual office doesn’t mean you can’t “hang out” with your team! The best leaders know how to bring their employees together to boost morale and keep energy high – two things that can be challenging when not in person. For example, try hosting non-work social events such as a Zoom happy hour or quarterly book club. There’s more to life than work, and your team will appreciate a chance to socialize without added pressure! 

Limit meetings

Too many Zoom meetings can quickly fill up a calendar, so keep them to a minimum. In many cases, scheduled discussions can take place over virtual communication channels like Slack. Ask yourself if what you’re planning really needs to happen over Zoom before sending those invites.

Think about hosting a weekly standup meeting to cover all of your bases at once. This way, employees can touch base and ask their questions without carving time out of their everyday schedule. Then, use tools like Slack or WhatsApp to fill in the gaps. 

Keep communication lines open

While you don’t want to overdo it when it comes to management, you do need to ensure your team members know you’re available when they need you. Communication is essential for effective remote leadership. Going MIA will only lead to bottlenecks your organization can’t afford to experience. To stay on track, consider utilizing a voice messaging system like Voxer that your team can use when they need something ASAP.

Be present when an employee has questions and make sure to let your team know when you’ll be out of the office. You’ll also want to prepare for vacations accordingly, so your team members understand who they can contact should they need something while you’re out. The last thing you want is to leave your team hanging!

Celebrate team successes

A pat on the back or high-five might not be possible online, but the best leaders still recognize their remote employees for their success. So celebrate the same milestones you would in the office, whether an achievement or a birthday. Maybe it’s allowing them to take an afternoon off or sending a nice gift their way. Whatever it is, remember to showcase your appreciation for your team members and their continuous hard work!

Ask for feedback

The best leaders know how to gather feedback and implement it effectively. If you want to improve your remote leadership skills, ask them how! Not only is it okay to ask your employees about what’s working and what’s not – it’s a smart business move that will help you become a better leader.

Create an anonymous survey where team members can submit thoughts, ideas, and overall recommendations for your organization moving forward. Then, set aside time to sit down and analyze the results. Take what you learn and use it to better manage your team.

If you’re new to the world of remote leadership and are looking for a way to stay organized, our experts are here to help. From workspaces to meeting rooms, we’ll create a virtual office solution with your team in mind – because one size doesn’t fit all. Send us a message today to get started.

Women-owned and locally-focused, Metro Offices has been a catalyst for workspace innovation since 1989 and continues to be the premier provider of virtual and in-person office space in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Serving over 30,000 businesses, our high-touch services and solutions are designed to help entrepreneurs, founders, and CEOs scale their businesses and optimize their professional reputations.

Kathlene Buchanan

As the founder of Metro Offices, she has championed workspace innovation since 1989, inspired by the creativity and drive of their 30,000+ clients. Woman-owned and locally focused, the company tailors its spaces to meet the unique needs of every business.