Here's how you can excel in remote strategy work by mastering key skills.

Communication is critical for any strategy professional. You have to remember that you have to communicate / collaborate with a lot of people to create meaningful strategies. You also have to have to talk to a lot of people in order to "sell your strategy". And you need to communicate very clearly the value of the strategy if you want to get alignment and commitment from others within your organization. When you add remote work, this becomes even more important because you don't have the luxury of spending face to face time with a lot of these people.

Master Strong Communication Skills 1. Clear Writing - Develop the ability to write clearly and concisely. Use tools like Grammarly to improve grammar and style. 2. Effective Virtual Meetings - Master the art of conducting and participating in virtual meetings. Use agendas, set clear objectives, and follow up with actionable notes. 3. Active Listening - Practice active listening during calls and meetings. Reflect back what you’ve heard and ask clarifying questions to ensure understanding.

Having worked remotely on strategy for over 10 years, I can say it's very effective with the right approach. The key is maintaining discipline and strong communication. A solid routine keeps me focused, and using digital tools helps ensure clear, regular communication with the team. Frequent check-ins, virtual meetings, and detailed documentation keep everyone aligned. Mastering these skills has made remote strategy work just as effective as being in the office. Strategy work doesn't happen only at the desk, in front of the computer! Sometimes, time spent in nature, walking, thinking through problems on the move is just as valuable and productive.

Use video conferencing tools, chats, and emails to keep your team in the loop and on the same page. Make sure messages are accurate and accessible, and create an environment where feedback and questions are encouraged. Schedule regular meetings and status updates to maintain transparency and cohesion. This approach ensures that everyone understands the direction of the project and can collaborate efficiently, regardless of physical distance. Consider cultural differences among the team members.

You should always leverage the technology that's available. Make sure that you understand how the technology is enabling for more efficient work for team members that are working remotely. The answer is not going to be the same as if everyone was in the same facility. So always think about efficiency and how the technology makes things easier to accomplish.

Familiarity with Tools - Get comfortable with essential remote work tools such as Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and project management software. Data Analysis Tools - Enhance your skills in tools like Excel, Google Analytics, and business intelligence software (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for data-driven decision-making. Cybersecurity Awareness - Understand basic cybersecurity practices to protect sensitive information and maintain client confidentiality.

If you're gonna go down the road of "hyper-organizing" all the work, make sure that you get the input from the team before designing the system and process. The way you're organizing things MUST enable the team members to do work more efficiently, quicker and collaborate more seamlessly.

As the leader of the strategy team that works remotely, you have to make sure that you're always building trust with your team and across team members. This trust is what's going to enable it efficient collaboration to meet the team & individual deliverables and to provide better strategies for the organization.

Foster Collaboration and Teamwork Use Virtual Collaboration Tools. Become proficient in collaboration tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and collaborative whiteboards like Miro. Build Relationships. Take time to build relationships with remote colleagues through regular check-ins and virtual coffee chats. Be proficient in Conflict Resolution. Develop skills to manage and resolve conflicts remotely. Use clear communication and empathy to address issues.

Continuous Learning and Professional Development Online Courses - Enroll in online courses and webinars to continuously upgrade your skills. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer a wide range of relevant courses. Certifications - Pursue certifications relevant to your field, such as PMP for project management or certifications in data analysis tools. Industry Trends - Stay updated with the latest industry trends and best practices by reading industry publications, joining professional groups, and attending virtual conferences.