Post-Covid, two-thirds of workers want to continue working remotely and many are willing to take a pay cut to do so. However, a significant portion of managers resist this shift claiming they need to monitor their teams in person to manage effectively. Despite these doubts, virtual leadership is possible. That's why 64% of executives implemented virtual leadership skills training due to the pandemic, according to PwC.
Managers and leaders who lead virtual teams face unique challenges compared to traditional leadership. As a virtual leader, you must foster trust and clear communication with your team, even though you are separated by a screen. Additionally, you could build and nurture a diverse team by hiring people from all over the world. But this can also require adjustments to work across different time zones and cultural backgrounds. By embracing the flexibility and autonomy of virtual teams, you can create an effective and successful work environment.
As you likely already know there are several challenges we face as leaders when it comes to managing a virtual team effectively. For some leaders, they will miss the constant face-to-face interactions, once their team becomes fully remote. But the best virtual leaders will make the most of every opportunity to communicate both, synchronously and asynchronously.
Let’s be clear: breaks and water often aren’t enough. Many people struggle with serious overwork and mental illness, especially during the pandemic. Make sure you use vacation days and take advantage of mental health resources offered by your company.
In this SIM, you are the head of a company that has recently shifted to working virtually. The remote environment has allowed you to expand the team globally. You have noticed that one of your departments has been underperforming since going remote. They have not been hitting their KPI’s and their team members indicate low satisfaction scores on your monthly pulse surveys. You decide to meet with the head of the department, Alyce, to try and resolve the issue.
To help coach Alyce through leading her team to be successful when working virtually, you will need to be aware of the struggles Alyce’s team may be facing since going remote, the expectations Alyce has set for the team, and the difficulties Alyce herself may be experiencing in managing her team in a remote environment.