5 Tips to Be a Great Remote Manager

The landscape of management has changed significantly with the rise of remote work. In the transition from in-office to remote management, subtle shifts in approach can make a world of difference to your team’s productivity and morale. Here’s a look at what Harvard Business Review thinks sets great remote managers apart:

1. Enabling Rather Than Enforcing

Great remote managers act as facilitators, not micromanagers. They empower their teams by removing obstacles, coordinating efforts and providing coaching. This approach builds trust and autonomy among employees, enhancing overall team performance.

2. Active Engagement

Presence is crucial in remote management. Managers can stay involved by scheduling status update meetings with individuals and teams. This proactive engagement ensures they are aware of project developments, challenges and opportunities.  This, in turn, allows the manager to offer support which can help gain trust, boost productivity and employee satisfaction.

3. Clear Communication

Effective communication is vital in remote settings. When managers clarify priorities, deadlines and expectations, they help to minimize confusion and maximize efficiency. Regular meetings can serve as checkpoints to realign efforts and address any emerging issues quickly.

4. Proactive Problem-Solving

Remote environments require proactive problem-solving. One technique to address this is to encourage team members to escalate issues by calling a problem meeting. Problem meetings can follow a naming convention, so team members know what to expect on the call. For example, a "mosquito" meeting can be called for minor concerns, while a "dragon" meeting can be called for critical challenges. This approach ensures swift resolution and fosters a collaborative problem-solving culture.

5. Compassionate Check-Ins

Beyond work-related matters, great remote managers prioritize regular check-ins to connect on a personal level. These interactions build trust, strengthen team cohesion and support employee well-being by reducing feelings of isolation common in remote work.

Effective remote management is about more than overseeing tasks; it’s about empowering and engaging teams to thrive in a distributed environment. By mastering these strategies, managers can create a positive and productive remote work culture that drives success and satisfaction.

Want a more in-depth look at these tips? Read What Great Remote Managers Do Differently from Harvard Business Review.