L & L #31: 5 Easy Strategies for Leading a Remote Team (And How to Keep Everyone Engaged)
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"The future of work isn’t just about working from home—it’s about working from anywhere with purpose." — Prithwiraj Choudhury
CONTEXT
Remote work has changed the way we lead teams.
It gives more freedom, but it also brings new challenges:
- How do you keep the team connected when they’re not in the same place?
- How do you make sure everyone stays productive without watching over them?
- How do you keep remote workers engaged?
Recent studies highlight the importance of effective remote leadership:
- 62% of remote workers report higher productivity when working from home [1]
- Yet, 43% of remote employees report feeling disconnected from their company culture [2]
- 74% of companies plan to permanently shift to more remote work [3]
Leading a remote team isn’t just about working from a distance.
It’s about:
- Keeping the team performing well
- Building strong connections virtually
- Creating a welcoming online work culture
But here’s the good news:
Leaders can solve these problems by using simple strategies to build trust, teamwork, and motivation—even from a distance.
In this Linked & Lift Newsletter, we’ll share 5 proven strategies that will help you lead your remote team better while keeping everyone engaged. Let’s take a look at how you can apply them to make sure that your team stays connected, motivated, and productive—no matter where they are.
You’ll find below a guide that explains each strategy. Click on the infographic for a printable high-res PDF version.
Here are 5 easy strategies for leading remote teams:
1. Set Clear Communication Habits
Without face-to-face chats, clear communication is very important for remote teams.
➥ Example: A team member misses an important deadline because they didn’t understand the task clearly.
How to Improve Communication:
- Hold Regular Meetings: Schedule one-on-one check-ins and team meetings.
- Use Different Tools: Combine video calls with messaging apps like Slack or email.
- Set Communication Rules: Let your team know when to use each tool.
➤ 🔍 Quick Tip: Try “No-Meeting Wednesdays” to give your team time to focus.
2. Build a Strong Team Culture
Remote work can feel lonely, but you can build a team culture that makes people feel connected.
How to Foster Remote Culture:
- Plan Virtual Hangouts: Schedule team fun like virtual coffee breaks.
- Create a Social Space: Set up a Slack channel for casual conversations.
- Celebrate Successes: Publicly celebrate team wins and individual achievements.
➤ 🔍 Quick Tip: Start meetings with a personal check-in or fun icebreaker.
3. Use the Right Tools and Processes
The right tools can make or break remote team effectiveness.
How to Improve Digital Workflow:
- Pick the Right Tools: Choose software that fits your team’s needs, like project management tools.
- Create Clear Processes: Document how tasks should be done and who’s responsible.
- Train Your Team: Make sure everyone knows how to use the tools.
➤ 🔍 Quick Tip: Create a guide with tips on how to use your digital tools.
4. Focus on Results, Not Hours
Trust your team to get the job done without watching the clock. Focus on results instead of tracking hours.
How to Implement Outcome-Based Leadership:
- Set Clear Goals: Make sure everyone knows what they need to achieve.
- Track Progress: Use regular check-ins to see how the team is doing.
- Trust Your Team: Don’t micromanage—focus on what they accomplish.
➤ 🔍 Quick Tip: Use OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) to measure performance.
5. Prioritise Well-being and Work-Life Balance
Remote work can make it hard to switch off from work. Help your team balance their work and personal time.
How to Encourage Balance:
- Set Clear Work Hours: Encourage the team to stick to their working hours and avoid overworking.
- Promote Breaks: Remind your team to take regular breaks and step away from their screens.
- Allow Flexibility: Be open to different schedules as long as the work gets done.
➤ 🔍 Quick Tip: Lead by example—don’t send emails after hours and share your own work-life balance practices.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Leading a remote team takes effort and new strategies.
By using these 5 simple strategies, you can create a strong and connected remote team that’s engaged and productive.
Clear communication, trust, and support for work-life balance will help your team thrive, no matter where they work from.
"Great remote leadership means giving people the space to do their best work while keeping the team connected and strong."
Extra Resources to Learn More
📌 Top pick on remote leadership: "Leading From Anywhere" by David Burkus.
📌 Top pick video: "How to Build Trust in Remote Teams" - A helpful video by GitLab.
📌 Book pick: "Remote Work Revolution" by Tsedal Neeley. Available on Amazon
📌 AudioBook pick: "Virtual Culture" by Bryan Miles. Great for learning on the go
📌 Podcast pick: "The Remote Show" - Weekly tips on remote leadership and management.
Until next time, may your leadership keep your remote team connected and motivated!
Véronique
Creator of the Linked And Lift.
Sources:
[1] Owl Labs. (2023). State of Remote Work Report.
[2] Microsoft. (2023). Work Trend Index.
[3] Gartner. (2023). Future of Work Report.
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