Leading a Remote Team With Purpose
“Be leaders wherever it behooves you to be. Leaders of thought, leaders of action, leaders of joy, leaders of hope, leaders of the construction of a better world” (Pope Francis).
In the ever-evolving landscape of the modern workplace, leading a remote team calls for a transformation in our approach to leadership. As Catholic women in business, we have a unique opportunity to embrace the virtual workplace, harness its potential as a catalyst for growth, and create a supportive and purpose-driven environment for our teams to thrive.
Let's explore the key principles that can help us lead a remote team.
Fostering a Positive Virtual Workplace
Leading a remote team requires a shift in mindset from traditional in-person leadership. Even if your team is virtual, as a leader, you still maintain your responsibility to foster a positive team culture. One good step is to implement weekly team check-ins. Virtual coffee breaks and virtual office hours can help to promote a sense of belonging and camaraderie among remote team members.
Communicating With Empathy
When it comes to working remotely, effective communication is vital. Regular video check-ins and one-on-one meetings show your team you care and support them. These meetings can improve accountability and collaboration while fostering a more connected and engaged workforce. However, it’s essential to strike a balance with asynchronous communication methods, such as email, to respect team members’ time.
One way to enhance communication while working remotely is to use video calls. Don’t be afraid to turn on your camera during calls to humanize the virtual workspace and improve team dynamics. When possible, set an example by showing up to calls on video. Video calls can help bridge the gaps among remote team members, build trust, and encourage empathy by helping you to interpret facial expressions and body language.
Setting Clear Expectations
For any leader, it’s essential to ensure that team members clearly understand their roles and responsibilities. Doing so is especially crucial in the virtual environment, where communication gaps can result in misunderstandings.
When they clearly understand their individual contributions to the team’s objectives, remote team members can better collaborate and avoid potential overlaps or omissions in tasks. This clarity fosters a heightened sense of accountability and ownership, which can ultimately lead to exceptional performance and a thriving remote work culture.
As a leader, embracing and promoting this focus on role clarity demonstrates your commitment to fostering a harmonious and purpose-driven virtual team.
Nurturing Professional Development
Encouraging your team’s growth should always be a top priority, and leading a remote team requires a thoughtful and proactive approach. Conduct regular virtual training sessions, workshops, and webinars tailored to your team’s specific needs and interests. Look for opportunities to facilitate skill-building through various remote learning initiatives, such as “lunch and learn” sessions or discussion forums. It’s also important to create opportunities to provide personalized feedback and constructive coaching to help individuals identify their strengths and areas for improvement.
By fostering a culture of professional development, remote team members will feel valued and empowered.
Celebrating Achievements
When leading a remote team, celebrating achievements is a crucial practice. Simple acknowledgments of big and small accomplishments—along with personalized messages of gratitude—go a long way in boosting individual and team morale.
Additionally, organizing virtual celebrations for milestones and special occasions creates a supportive atmosphere, breaking down communication barriers and strengthening the team’s bond despite the physical distance. Celebrating and recognizing individuals and the team reinforce positive behavior and lead to increased dedication and overall success.
The Opportunity
As Catholic women in business who lead remote teams, we have a profound opportunity to shape the future of work by embracing the virtual workplace with grace and purpose. The key principles I’ve explored here offer a roadmap for fostering a positive and purpose-driven environment where team members can flourish and feel connected, valued, and motivated to contribute their best.
Natasha is the CEO and Founder of Aspen & Oliva, a premier personal branding agency. Driven by an entrepreneurial and creative spirit, she purposefully integrates her expertise as a clinical therapist and storytelling marketer to guide women to architect, refine, and master an iconic personal brand that effortlessly transcends into all areas of their lives - professional and personal. Her work with individuals and Fortune 50 companies to develop talent has led to her positioning as an authority on personal branding, an expert in leadership development, and a champion of the multi-hyphenate woman. Through her passion for business, Natasha has propelled her mission to inspire women to design a life of beauty, champion all things good and true, and guide them to become thought-leaders in their fields. You can connect with Natasha through Instagram, LinkedIn, or natashalucia.com.