How To Be An Effective Leader in a Remote Work Environment
Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have heard the term The New Normal, but have yet been able to solidly define the phrase. Let’s attempt to do so here.
Our new normal most likely includes a remote workplace. In a remote work environment, it could be difficult for leaders to effectively communicate with and manage their teams. That is why virtual leadership is taking its reign in the executive coaching world.
How to Be a Virtual Leader
As cited in WorkLife, strong in-person leadership skills don’t necessarily translate to being a good virtual leader. Instead, organization and competency reign supreme. Here are some things to remember when leading a virtual team.
1. Set expectations
Defining clear boundaries is necessary when setting expectations. Team members need to know that consistency is key. Projects need to be completed and clients’ needs and deadlines need to be met. Schedule morning meetings so that you can ensure that all team members are awake and ready to begin working at 9am est (or whatever time your company begins its day). Encourage employees to work from their kitchen tables, not their bedrooms. Encourage an hour lunch break and time to give the eyes a rest. The subtraction of commute time does not mean an extended work day, but more time to enjoy a work-life balance, as long as daily work hours are given the team’s fullest potential.
2. Listen and check in regularly
Ensure worker engagement doesn’t lack by checking in with your employees regularly. According to a study by the Harvard Business Review, 46 percent of remote workers thought the best managers were the ones that checked in frequently. Remember, checking in does not refer to sending a how are you email on a consistent basis. It requires taking the time to schedule a virtual meeting that will provide virtual face-to-face communication, where team members can ask questions or express thoughts and concerns they may be hesitant to share via email.
3. Say “We,” not “I”
The pronouns used with your team set the tone for hierarchy. A leader claims the hierarchy with their title and ability to give direction. The hierarchy does not need to be emphasized by beginning every sentence with “I.” Like they say, there is no I in team. Using pronouns like we, our and us will encourage a culture of teamwork and togetherness for remote workers who lack that sense of community not being in an office environment.
Best Practices for Remote Leadership with Roos Advisors
Roos Advisors is committed to helping you scale your real estate team. Our certified professionals use experiential evaluation and learning to help teams work more effectively by developing the core fundamentals of trust, commitment, accountability, productive conflict resolution, and results-driven goal-setting.
We help business owners reclaim their sense of direction and quality of life by growing their dream business and providing practical, actionable solutions. Let’s kickstart your journey to personal and professional excellence. Contact us today to schedule a free 15-minute virtual consultation to see if we are your business’ solution.
