Shownotes: https://www.berndgeropp.com/remote-work-experience
Today, I want to dive into a topic that's more relevant than ever: remote work. I'll share my personal experiences leading a fully remote team, explore who remote work is suited for, and discuss why some companies are still hesitant to embrace it.
Embracing Remote Work
When I started building my team, I made a deliberate decision: we'd work fully remote. That decision shaped everything—from hiring to how we communicate and collaborate. Today, my team consists of four people: Alex, Simone, Ersin, and myself. And yes, we're thriving in a remote setup.
But here's the thing: remote work isn't for everyone. It demands self-discipline, responsibility, and excellent self-management. If these qualities aren't present, remote work can quickly fall apart.
The Rise of Remote Work
In the U.S., remote work skyrocketed during the pandemic, forcing many businesses to adapt overnight. Employees loved the flexibility and saved commute time, and many never looked back. Today, hybrid work has become the norm in many industries. However, tech giants like Apple and Meta are leading a counter-movement, calling employees back to the office.
Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, famously said, "There's no substitute for face-to-face collaboration." While he's not wrong, I believe face-to-face interactions don't necessarily mean daily office attendance. Instead, they can be achieved through periodic in-person team meetups, which is exactly what my team does.
Remote Work Challenges – And How to Overcome Them
Managing a remote team isn't without its challenges. Communication, team spirit, and alignment can become tricky without the right processes in place. But here's a hard truth: remote work doesn't create leadership issues—it reveals them.
If your team isn't self-managing or struggles with accountability, that's likely a leadership issue, not a remote work issue. As I always say, after two years, every leader has the team they deserve. So, if your remote team is failing, it's time to take a hard look at your leadership practices.
Keys to Remote Work Success
Over the years, I've identified five principles that have helped my team succeed remotely:
- Clear Communication Channels We use Zoom for meetings and quick check-ins, and emails for longer messages. Everyone is expected to respond within a business day—but immediate responses aren't required.
- Defined Responsibilities Each team member owns their domain. For example, Alex handles marketing and video production, Simone manages community and events, and Ersin focuses on leadership coaching. Ownership fosters creativity and expertise.
- Regular In-Person Meetups Every 4–6 weeks, we meet in person—whether for a strategy session, a conference, or just team-building. For example, we attended a marketing conference in Frankfurt last fall and have a team retreat planned in Hamburg next week.
- Continuous Learning Professional development is a priority. From conferences like VidSummit in Los Angeles to sales training programs, we invest in learning as a team.
- Quarterly Strategy Meetings Every quarter, we reflect on our achievements and set goals for the next quarter. This ensures alignment and keeps us moving forward.
Who is Remote Work For?
Remote work isn't one-size-fits-all. It's ideal for knowledge workers who value flexibility and autonomy but less so for roles requiring hands-on tasks or constant supervision. For companies hesitant to adopt remote or hybrid models, here's a reality check: in today's job market, offering flexibility is often non-negotiable for attracting and retaining top talent.
Closing Thoughts
Remote work isn't a passing trend; it's a fundamental shift in how we work. As leaders, we must adapt and find ways to make it work for our teams and businesses. That means investing in your people, refining your processes, and embracing change.
Thank you for tuning in to Leadership Made Easy. If you found this episode valuable, please share it or leave a review. And as always, keep leading with intention and purpose. Until next time!
Leadership Made Easy