Distance leadership can be challenging when you can’t directly oversee every little thing that happens in your company. However, it can be a necessary challenge for many different reasons. For example, if you’re inclined to start a new business or expand your existing company into a new market, you’ll likely need to spend less time working in the office and more time bringing your project to life. Or, perhaps, you’re heading off to a business conference and leaving your team behind to keep the ship running. More recently, the coronavirus has sent people to work from home, which means many of us in leadership positions are having to do so remotely.
Regardless of the reason, leading a company remotely is certainly doable and can be highly effective when done in a strategic way. Let’s explore a few tips that will help you to be a stronger leader, no matter how far you are from your team.
Learn to delegate
Delegation can be a scary thing for business owners, especially if they’re used to shouldering all of the responsibilities in the company. How do you let go of something that represents your brand and, in relation, represents you? Sorry to say, but if you want to be a great leader, you must be prepared to let go of the work. Take some time to learn the strengths and weaknesses of your team members and allocate work to them accordingly. Once you start to let go, you’ll realize that most people are more than capable of picking up the reins and achieving success.
Elect a second-in-command
When you’re offsite, it shouldn’t become an “every person for themselves” type of situation in your office. Choose an employee that you’re confident will step up in your absence and make sure the wheels don’t come off. Pick carefully; you want an employee that has shown you that they can and will step up to the plate when called upon. Not only will this person fill your role in your absence, but they will also be your main point of contact while away.
Create open channels of communication
Just because you’re not physically present doesn’t mean you can disappear from the company. Your team still needs you, so make a point to connect with them as much as possible. This could mean setting aside an hour or two for status meetings every day or it might mean using an app like Slack to keep communication lines open. Having a second-in-command, as mentioned above, can be especially useful in funneling the most important messages to you while you’re wrapped up elsewhere.
Be transparent with clients
If you are planning a long leave of absence or turning your attention to another venture, be respectful of your clients’ needs and let them know that your elected second-in-command will be their new point of contact. Assure them that you’re not leaving and are still overseeing the business, but that your team is well-trained (by you!) to handle the day-to-day operations. This can feel concerning for some clients, so hear out their questions and ease their worries as needed.
Leadership is not an inherent talent; it’s a skill, which means it can be honed and developed with practice. When leading a company remotely, communication is the name of the game — stay connected, remain transparency, and always be prepared to step up when needed most.
With 30 years of experience owning event planning, high-end catering, and design and décor companies, Meryl Snow is on a mission to help businesses get on their own path to success. As a Senior Consultant & Sales Trainer for SnowStorm Solutions, Meryl travels throughout North America training clients in the areas of sales, marketing, design, and branding. As a valued member of the Wedding Industry Speakers, she speaks with groups from the heart with warmth and knowledge, and covers the funny side of life and business.