There are several qualities of remote leaders that are in particular important if their goal is to set an example to their team and establish a healthy remote working environment. Those qualities are not necessarily unique for the remote work environment. However, they are in particular important in those types of circumstances.
The first step in order to thrive as a leader and be appreciated by your team is to understand team dynamics. It is definitely more challenging remotely and requires a higher level of awareness and emotional intelligence. You should start by building trust in yourself and later on position yourself in an observer role, check how the team members help each other, who is taking over responsibilities. You could provide a personal example by being responsive, advising and arranging team regular team meetings online. The distance challenges your ability to understand nuances that come along with physical interaction but challenges are here to make us better.
If you manage to achieve a good understanding of your team and make it a common knowledge, it will be easier for you to create a coherent vision and commonality toward the goals. Establishment of a clear and defined view affects your image and also influences employees determination and ability to follow specific business directions. This will provide employees the ability to work autonomously without constant management involvement. By setting up the defined path, you help people to become more independent.
Last but not least are the Communication skills, those are the key for all and if you want employees to be active listeners to their colleagues, managers and even clients- you should promote it both in your written and oral communication. Pay attention to statements and ideas your colleagues presented, note down important sayings and combine them in your future messages.
Remember that working remotely doesn’t prevent you from leading effectively and setting examples from far. It gives you the opportunity to master management skills and help others to thrive.
