Remote work has redefined the corporate frontier, but the shift brings its own unique set of challenges. While it offers flexibility and broadens the talent pool, leading a remote team isn’t the same as leading in-person. Harris Kenny, Founder of Intro, offers reflections on how leaders can navigate these unfamiliar waters without making avoidable errors. As someone who has both worked in traditional offices and built a remote-centric company, Kenny’s experiences offer actionable insights for any leader looking to optimize their remote leadership strategy.
1. Overcommunication ≠ Effective Communication
Many leaders believe that more communication means better communication. This notion can lead to an overwhelming flood of messages, notifications, and emails. The key isn’t about bombarding your team with more; it’s about providing clarity. Remote workers need to discern what’s essential from what’s not. Instead of a daily torrent of updates, perhaps a weekly round-up would suffice.
2. Misuse of Tools Breeds Anxiety
Kenny’s company experienced firsthand the pitfalls of misusing communication tools. When executives misused chat tools, the entire organization felt a surge of anxiety. The takeaway? Leaders should understand that every tool has a specific purpose. For instance, direct messages should be for essential, immediate communications, not a place to dump every fleeting thought. The right usage promotes a calm and efficient environment.
3. Recognize the Importance of Independence
Remote work is built on a foundation of trust. Employees aren’t visible as they would be in an office setting. That’s why Kenny emphasizes the significance of hiring independent individuals to begin with. In his company, they value self-starters who don’t require consistent follow-ups on every task. Leaders should foster a culture where team members are empowered to take ownership and execute their responsibilities without hand-holding.
4. One-Size-Fits-All Doesn’t Apply
One particularly enlightening story from Kenny’s tenure was of a team member who craved consistent follow-up on their tasks. While this might work in some settings, it’s not always feasible in a remote environment where synchronous timings aren’t guaranteed. Leaders need to be agile, recognizing when certain methods aren’t working and pivoting accordingly.
5. Competence Over Connections
In an age where networking can sometimes trump skill, Kenny’s company has a different mantra. They hire for competence. It doesn’t matter if a candidate went to a prestigious university or knows someone on the inside. In a globalized, remote work setting, the most crucial criterion is the ability to do the job well.
6. Foster a Sense of Calm
Remote work is rife with potential distractions. A pet, a doorbell, or even the allure of a sunny day can break concentration. Kenny believes in tools and practices that promote calm and focus. A calm environment doesn’t just mean fewer distractions—it signifies clarity, purpose, and direction.
For leaders plunging into the world of remote work, it’s crucial to remember that every challenge is an opportunity. Instead of viewing remote work as an aftermath of modern necessities, leaders should embrace it as a conscious, strategic choice—one that demands new strategies and fresh perspectives. The future of work is here, just equip yourself to lead it effectively.