For many, the traditional face-to-face meetings and morning coffee run-ins no longer exist. It’s not as easy to grab lunch with a colleague or provide a smile and face of encouragement.

So how can you be an effective leader in a remote work setting?

How do you maintain the camaraderie of a traditional office and even become a better leader in a remote landscape?

Here are a few strategies:

💡 Avoid Micromanaging

Set overall goals and timeframes for your team and empower them with how to execute. As Simon Sinek says, “A boss who micromanages is like a coach who wants to get in the game. Leaders guide and support and then sit back to cheer from the sidelines.”

💡 Increase Recognition

Recognize the achievements/milestones of your team members to avoid them feeling lost in the shuffle. Public praise helps employees feel connected and appreciated even in a remote setting.

💡 Be Flexible

We aren’t working in a 9-5 world anymore, encourage your team to take a real lunch break and minimize unnecessary screen time. Foster respect and practice confidence that they will get their work done on time, even if not on a traditional schedule.

💡 Set Regular Scheduled Meetings

Remote work is isolating, and everyone still needs to feel part of the team! Touch base with your team members at least once a week to maintain a sense of trust and camaraderie. Structure and feedback keeps the team on track.

💡 Don’t make it all about work

Try setting up informal channels for your team to connect and have a non-work-related outlet, encourage virtual coffees or game sessions. Make sure the remote “work” setting isn’t so focused on work that you forget the benefit of human connection.

Daniel Foster, with Law Life Coach

Connect with me on LinkedIn.