As we embrace remote work, the principles and practices that govern how we manage teams are evolving. Thus, managers and HR professionals need new skills to manage a growing number of workers spread around the globe. In this post, we take you through some of the most underrated skills every leader needs to excel at managing remote teams.

Resilience and adaptability

Change is never easy, especially when remote work is still a new way of working for many managers. Managing remote teams is different from managing on-site teams, and the transition to this new reality can be lengthy. To succeed, managers need to be able to adapt and be resilient to the changes and challenges in their work environment.

Skills to motivate your team

With the rise of remote work, managers need to learn how to motivate their employees in this new environment. To do this, managers need to understand that motivation is not a one-size-fits-all solution, especially with the diversity that comes with remote teams. The best way for a manager to understand the needs of their team is by getting feedback on what motivates them individually, then finding ways to help get their remote employees motivated about themselves and their careers.

Flexibility of mindset

In order for managers to stay successful in a remote-first world, they need to have a flexible mindset. This means that they need to be open to new ideas and ways of thinking. Managers need to be able to work with people who are different from them and understand that they may not think the same way that they do. This is a great skill and attitude that will help managers build inclusive and diverse remote work environments for everyone.

Have compassion

Managers need to have compassion in order to be successful, especially in a remote-first world. Compassion is an important trait for managers, as it ensures that employees feel like their needs are being met. It also helps managers understand how to best motivate their employees and make sure that they are supporting  a good work-life balance.

Ability to bring people together

The ability to bring people together is one of the most powerful skills every manager with a remote team can have. With different locations, backgrounds, and cultures, it can be difficult to gather your team towards a single course. To build a successful team, managers need to have the skills to bring the team together to pursue common goals, build relationships, and help create a great company culture. Hosting an icebreaker session or team building event can help your team bond on a personal level.

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