I can talk endlessly about remote work and its impact on different areas. My previous blog article discussed the rising pressure to innovate and how remote work was critical in recent developments.
In this article, I will talk about leadership and the challenges that remote work has caused in this field.
Leading myself, leading others and then leading my business
The need for effective leadership has become even more important in the current economic situation, with the pressure from the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and other global issues. Therefore, leadership and its influencing factors have undergone significant changes in recent years.
The shift in focus towards emotional factors such as employee satisfaction and involvement are some of the critical changes that have emerged. Transparent communication and good relationships within the team are essential.
Different generations have different approaches and willingness to change in key aspects, such as hierarchy, but adapting to new behavioural patterns and cultures is necessary. Leaders must be mindful of their own tendencies to fall back on old habits and learn to change direction to support their employees better. They must first focus on leading themselves, then others and the company.
Does the recipe for perfect leadership exist?
There is no such thing as a perfect leader, just as there is no such thing as a perfect person or employee. However, reflecting on our reactions and behaviours can improve cohesion and establish clear objectives. Another crucial ingredient is feedback. It is important to listen and accept what we need to move forward, even if it may be difficult at times.
Recognising that positive leadership does not always mean avoiding difficult conversations is essential. Instead, leaders must learn to provide feedback constructively, with an eye towards building strong relationships and improving outcomes.
Leadership is not just about managing a team, it is about being part of the team. Every employee is different, and leaders must learn to deal with them in a way that suits them. The key ingredient is the will to listen and understand. It is about igniting the power in others and creating a framework around a goal that everyone can work towards. However, the challenge for leaders is to follow and appreciate people who are different from themselves.
Leadership in remote work
The pandemic has taught us that people can work remotely, but it is all about keeping them happy and engaged. What was once the exception is now the “new normal”. We have to rethink the traditional status symbols and adapt to a new way of working. Remote leadership is the new norm, and leaders must learn to lead people remotely.
The challenge for leaders is understanding and adapting to these changes and creating a positive work environment that promotes growth and success for everyone.
Leaders who prioritise clear communication, trust-building, empathy and compassion, goal setting and tracking, and focus on results will set their teams up for success, no matter where they are working from.
Remote work as an opportunity
The situation we found ourselves in the last years led us to rethink certain principles. This made leaders start asking themselves questions again, such as how to create a good team, how to adapt processes to remote working, and what to change. Thanks to this, more people have discovered the benefits of things they were previously unwilling or unable to try, such as cross-functional teams.
Moreover, remote work has also created a more diverse and inclusive workforce. Companies are now able to recruit top talent from anywhere in the world rather than being limited to their local area. As a result, leaders must learn to navigate cultural differences and adapt to different working styles. This requires a deeper understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion and the ability to create a cohesive team despite geographical boundaries.
In conclusion, remote work has significantly shaped the modern workplace and the skills required for effective leadership. As we continue to navigate the new normal, leaders must embrace remote work and adapt to the changing needs of their teams. Those who can do so successfully will undoubtedly thrive in this new era of work.