Previously, I talked about being a leader, even when you are not the boss. I believe a good leader is a person that people want to follow. They are honest and have a high level of integrity. These traits are important to get people to buy into the strategy and the journey. A leader has a clear vision, and a path to get there. They inspire others and make sure everyone knows their importance to achieve the vision. As a result, they must have great communication skills. These are the people that lead by example, that people gravitate towards.
How To Lead A Remote Workforce
So, now the question is how do you be a great leader with a remote workforce? Given the changes created with COVID-19 and working remote, how does a leader continue to be successful? From what I have observed, communication and availability are key ingredients. Managing remotely changes the dynamic of leadership and requires an additional set of skills.
The best leaders engage remote employees in frequent and authentic conversation. They put time aside to make sure they are communicating frequently and effectively. They dig for real information by asking direct questions including “What’s frustrating you? or What’s getting in your way?” They also ask the very simple, but important question of “How are you doing?” Some remote leaders may set aside time for virtual team coffees and social conversations. No matter what method is chosen, being mindful to communicate often and openly is very important. Be transparent.
Clear Boundaries and Guidelines
Leaders should also prioritize the development of clear boundaries and guidelines. At its most basic level, this involves assisting employees in defining their availability. Clearly define when the employee will be working. What is the best way to reach the employee at home. If additional personal challenges such as childcare and home schooling are involved, how will the employee address these challenges.
The typical leadership characteristics still apply. A good leader will still need to understand team dynamics. He or she needs to create and communicate a clear vision. Provide coaching and mentorship when needed. One must understand the implications and effective use of technology. These are all still very important.
Distance Impact
They require an awareness of how distance and a lack of frequent physical interaction impact how a team works together. When you’re not together, how do you read the signs of team interactions? Do your teams continue to work effectively? This goes back to frequent and open communications. One needs to really listen to what people are saying and how they say it. Providing and using technology effectively to communicate with the team and each other is critical. Sending people remote to work is not enough. You must provide them the tools they need to work remote. In addition, being a great communicator around a conference table isn’t the same as delivering an effective webinar. It is every bit as critical wherever one is communicating.
I saw a quote the other day that I truly believe. “Leadership is not about being the best. Leadership is about making everyone else better.“
When I was just starting out in my career, I was lucky enough to attend a leadership and teamwork conference. I have used the information I learned from that conference over the years and it is still valuable to business today. Many of the articles and books I have read since this initial conference has done nothing except validate these 3 ideas. I know there are many other ideas, but these work for me.
1. You don’t have to be the boss to be a leader.
First, let me say there are many very good managers that are not leaders in most companies. You don’t have to be a manager to be a leader and you don’t have to be leader to be a manager. A good manager has the ability to direct and develop people, execute against the corporate vision, and establish and execute against a process. These people are very valuable and are needed in every organization.
A good leader is a person that people want to follow, they are honest and have a high level of integrity. This is important to get people to buy into strategy and the journey. These people have a vision, and a path to get there. They inspire others and make sure everyone knows their importance to achieve the vision. As a result, they must have great communication skills. These are the people that lead by example, that people gravitate towards.
2. Soar with a team of Eagles.
What does it mean to be an Eagle? The Eagle represents honesty, truth, majesty, strength, courage, wisdom, power and freedom. Every organization has a group of people, I call Eagles. These are the top producers, the people that seem to fly higher. So, if an entire team can achieve this level, you can achieve far more together than as individuals.
“A Team – even a team of eagles – is a very special and fragile thing. A team is like a family. It’s held together with honesty, trust and respect. Never lose sight of what made your team great in the first place.” –Mike Singletary.
There are basically five steps to becoming a team of eagles.
- Agree on a common Goal. To be effective, everyone on the team needs to be pulling in the same direction, toward the same goal, with the same level of urgency.
- Know the abilities of each team member. Take advantage of each members strengths. Put people in a position to achieve success.
- Communicate effectively. For any team to be successful, it takes open and honest communications. Every team member must understand the vision and where they are in the process. For this to work, they must respect the other team members.
- Sharpen individual skills. Even though you are a member of a team, everyone should be looking at how to better themselves. Sharpen your skills, turn your weaknesses into strengths.
- Execute consistently. To execute consistently with excellence is a discipline and can be difficult to do. But for a team to excel, this must be a conscious decision of the team. Target deadlines and expectations must be consistently met or exceeded.
3. Attitude and Behavior are linked.
Attitudes can have a positive or negative affect on a person’s behavior. If you bring a negative attitude to work or to your team, it can negatively affect your behavior. Conversely, if you bring a positive attitude, it can have a positive impact. A single person can change the behavior of an entire team.
Organizations and teams where people respect and trust each other are more productive and have less turnover than organizations that do not have the respect and trust. Managers and leaders with positive attitudes view problems as an opportunity for success and growth. Managers and leaders with negative attitudes view problems and a reason for failure.
At Zunesis, we have a program called CustomerFirst. This program is about setting high expectations with our customers, then exceeding those expectations. To achieve this, we must pull together as a team, have the right attitude and do the right things.
