When you think of remote working, what comes to mind? 

Maybe it’s someone in their PJs with a cat on their lap (or laptop), or someone lounging on the sofa, putting off that new project.

The truth is, remote work can be just as productive as office work—but it has its own challenges. Let’s explore the biggest hurdles leaders face and how to overcome them.

(Spoiler: It mostly involves authentic, inspiring, human-centered, and empathetic leadership…)

Business Rules Have Changed… (Or Have They?)

It might feel like the rules of business have been rewritten. 

With 80% of executives planning to keep remote work options, the shift from offices to home is here to stay. 

But while the environment has changed, the core principles of leadership remain the same: 

• trust, 
• communication, 
• and clear goals.

What’s different is how these principles are applied remotely.

In project-driven industries, where every deadline and deliverable can make or break success, leaders need more than just standard practices. They need systems designed to drive innovation, connect teams, and support them remotely. Let’s look at five ways to make that happen.

5 Ways To Make Remote Leadership More Effective

1. Over-Communicate, Rather Than Under-Communicate

When you’re on a Zoom or Teams call, things get easily lost in translation, even with auto-transcription software running.

As Simon Sinek said, “Communication is not about saying what we think.  Communication is about ensuring others hear what we mean”. Therefore, you should aim to communicate your expectations clearly and without ambiguity. Avoid jargon. Be clear about your expectations regarding deadlines, availability, and check-in frequency. 

Online, it’s best to over-communicate rather than under-communicate. Why? In an office, you might bump into someone in the hallway and quickly clarify something. In a remote setting, both parties have to make a conscious effort to reach out. 

2. Value Your Team & Build Trust Through Transparency

Part of your job as a leader is to help your team feel connected and supported, especially when you’re not in the same physical space. 

To keep track of everything, try using project management tools that have clear Kanban boards, like Asana, Trello, and Jira. They keep everything simple, clear, and transparent. Team members know their contribution is being seen without the feeling of being watched all the time.

Aim to build an honest feedback culture. Make people feel safe sharing their ideas and concerns without fear of backlash. If you genuinely value people’s input, they’ll pay back with increased productivity.

3. Endorse A Healthy Work-Life Balance

A recent survey showed that 51% of remote workers experience burnout symptoms, 67% feel under pressure to be available around the clock, and 29% struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance (compared to 23% of office workers).

Those stats are alarming. How can we expect people to be productive if they’re true across the board? 

That’s why good leaders should actively promote a healthy work-life balance. Flexible working hours are a good starting point. Give people permission to step away and recharge when they need it. As long as the tasks are getting done, does it really matter when they are done? 

Support team well-being with virtual wellness programs and mental health resources. For instance, you might encourage people to sign up for team yoga or fitness challenges. Some employers offer access to counseling or therapy services that are open to all. It’s a win-win as you get happier employees who are more motivated to get good results. And don’t forget to set a good example and give yourself a break at times too. It makes it easier for others to look after their well-being if they see you engaging in self-care from time to time.

4. Use Proven Tech for Better Team Collaboration

If you want your team to produce great results, teamwork is the name of the game. The right tech tools improve collaboration, but don’t go overboard and use too many tools as it might be counterproductive and inhibit flow rather than improve it.

• Real-time Collaboration: Use platforms like Google Workspace, Notion, or Miro. They allow your team to work on projects in real-time, just as if they were in the same room.
• Project Management Software: Tools with built-in Kanban boards help keep everyone on track by assigning tasks, setting deadlines, and monitoring progress.
• Improve Communication: Keep everyone in the loop, reducing misunderstandings and keeping projects moving smoothly.
• Make Things Flow: Integrating these tools tightly into team workflows will create a highly efficient work environment, regardless of where people are located.
• Build Unity: Even though your team is remote, encourage people to communicate via tech tools to maintain a strong sense of teamwork.

5. Make People Feel Part of Something Bigger

Workers feel demotivated if they feel like small cogs in a machine. That’s why offering opportunities to connect socially is important, maybe a quiz at the end of the week or a casual coffee chat where work isn’t the main focus.

Help people feel like they belong and are more than just an avatar on a screen. And don’t forget to celebrate achievements – both big and small. You can do this as shoutouts in team meetings or just a quick private message to recognize someone’s hard work. A virtual “pat on the back” feels just as good as a real-life one!

If you build a warm sense of belonging and positive team culture, you’ll get better results than a cold, negative, fear-based one, so it’s a no-brainer.

Centered: Adopting A More Human-Centered, Authentic Leadership Style

Being a good leader in the new normal requires more than just understanding Zoom and Asana. It demands a complete rethink of what it means to be a leader.

The top-down authoritarian approach might have worked a few years ago, but not anymore. If remote team members don’t like your style, they can up and leave fairly easily, with companies worldwide to choose from.

Leaders today need to be adaptable in mindset and approach. That’s why Centered created a community for executive coaching and development, offering specialized programs to support leaders like you.

At Centered, you get tailored coaching that meets:

• your needs,
• the needs of your team.
• And the needs of your organization.

It’s a holistic approach to leadership that advocates treating people as people, and building trust through empathy. Centered will help you break down limiting beliefs and unlock a ton of potential across your team.

Times of great change call for great optimism. As a leader, the greatest gift you can give is imbuing your team with hope and reassurance that they can thrive. 

Centered is the ideal place to start. Contact the Centered leadership team here.

Published by: Martin De Juan