How can executives lead, not just manage, remote teams? A new issue for business

One of my sons works for a large consumer research organization, one you would surely know because of the awards it gives to firms that treat their customers well. In March, like so many companies as the coronavirus pandemic spread, his employer sent employees home to work. He has a good set up, all the technology he needs, and he can do his work quite well without having to be in a physical office.

In May, like so many firms, his surveyed its employees to find out how they felt about returning to the office full-time, part-time or not at all. The result: My son will keep working at home, and his firm has closed its headquarters space to consolidate the remaining employees into a town far from where they were.

Now, my son is a three-year employee so not far into the ranks and he’s very happy with the analysis work he does right now. But what if he wanted to move up? How would his firm know that? How would he raise his hand to let people know? And, how would the firm know if he is able to lead remotely?

We talk a lot these days about “managing remote teams and employees.” I can’t recall that I’ve heard much talk about “leading remote teams and employees.” There’s a difference.

Going forward, with more people not physically being together or meeting, how will that happen? What are the attributes that future leaders will need to build culture and run organizations when employees never shake hands, see body language or meet serendipitously on an elevator or in the parking lot?

I think of how many unexpected run-ins I’ve had that have generated new ideas and thoughts. How does that happen on Zoom? In other words, what will tomorrow’s remote leaders need to be able to do that today’s leaders do not?

As we lurch into new ways of working, interacting and learning, I am anxious to see which organizations will do well and how. Let me know how you think yours is doing.

Nancy Napier is a Boise State University distinguished professor. nnapier@boisestate.edu

This story was originally published July 8, 2020 at 4:00 AM.