Here's how you can navigate the potential pitfalls of remote work as an executive manager.

Embrace technology. It's your lifeline for remote work. Know your digital tools. ?? Video conferencing ?? Project management ?? Cloud services They bridge the physical gap. But having tools isn't enough. Use them well. Train your team. Make sure everyone is comfortable. Set clear protocols. Technology isn't just helpful; it's essential. Make it work for you.

Setting expectations is crucial when managing a remote team. Define work hours, availability, communication, and deadlines clearly. Without an office's natural structure, misunderstandings can happen easily. By clearly outlining what each team member, including yourself, is expected to do, you create a framework for accountability and minimize confusion. Regular check-ins and updates help keep everyone aligned. This isn't just about laying down the law; it's about building a structure that everyone can rely on. It's about keeping things clear and ensuring that everyone knows what they're responsible for.

Hybrid work is the key to success. It's about blending flexibility with structure. Firstly, establish clear communication channels to bridge physical distances and maintain team cohesion. Secondly, you must cultivate trust through accountability rather than micromanagement. Focus on outcomes, not processes. Thirdly, you must prioritize well-being. Foster a supportive culture and provide resources for mental health. Finally, use technology to collaborate and be productive, while ensuring data security. Adopting these principles will ensure resilience and maximize the benefits of remote work while mitigating its challenges.

Remote work can feel isolating. As an executive manager, it's up to you to bridge that gap. Your team needs connections. Virtual team-building is one way. Informal 'coffee chats' help too. Encourage an open dialogue. These efforts build strong team rapport. It boosts morale. High morale leads to better productivity. Job satisfaction improves. Make fostering connections a priority. Your team will thank you.

Tracking progress is key to keeping your team on course. Set up a system to track milestones and individual work. This helps spot problems early and offer support. Trust your team, but verify their work. Regular updates and constructive feedback are crucial. They keep the momentum going and drive results. Balancing oversight with trust ensures everyone stays productive without feeling micromanaged. This approach not only helps in achieving goals but also in building a stronger, more cohesive team.

Remote work brings flexibility but often blurs professional and personal boundaries. It's vital to set clear lines between work and personal time. Encourage your team to do the same. Respect off-hours. Show them how by disconnecting from work when the day ends. Prioritize your well-being. A balanced life makes for a happier, more productive team. Advocate for mental health and self-care. It's not just about work; it's about living well. Lead with balance, and your team will follow.

Whether remote or in person, teams need facetime. Remote managers who put off the zoom check ins report spending up to 80% (or more!) of their time micro-managing their teams over slack and email. they’re exhausted, and their teams are disengaged. To fix this, I coach leaders to expect their remote managers to zoom with their teams every single day. I spend an hour a day (that's only 12.5% of my time spent managing my team), every day, across my team members, face to face on zoom, and then I leave them alone til tomorrow. And the deal is they leave me alone til tomorrow, unless something is on fire, then they can call my cell. And they CAN leave me alone because they know they will get me tomorrow morning, without fail. Consistency wins.