Leading Remote Teams

Remote Leadership: Your Quick Checklist

Leading a remote team requires extra effort, but it pays off!

1. Communicate Intentionally (Be OBSESSED with clarity!)

• Over-communicate: Share information frequently and across multiple channels.
• Be Explicit: No relying on “reading the room.” State expectations clearly.
• Document: Use shared tools for notes, decisions, and project updates.
• Regular Check-ins: Schedule consistent 1:1s and team meetings.

2. Build Trust & Psychological Safety:

• Model Vulnerability: Admit your own mistakes to make it safe for others.
• Encourage Questions: Never shut down a query.
• Combat Proximity Bias: Actively seek input from remote team members first.

3. Focus on Outcomes, Not “Face Time”:

• Set crystal-clear goals and KPIs.
• Evaluate based on results, not hours online.
• Why: You can’t see them, so trust their ability to deliver.

4. Foster Connection & Culture:

• Organize virtual social events (coffee breaks, games, team lunches).
• Create informal chat channels for non-work discussions.
• Celebrate successes publicly.

5. Equip & Empower:

• Provide the right technology and tools.
• Trust your team with autonomy.
• Encourage work-life balance.

Golden Rule: If you wouldn’t accept it in the office, don’t accept it remotely. But also, understand remote work creates unique challenges that require empathy.