The Long-Distance Leader

About the Author

Kevin Eikenberry is a world expert on leadership development and learning and is the Chief Potential Officer of the Kevin Eikenberry Group. He is the creator of the Remarkable Leadership Learning System and a co-founder of the Remote Leadership Institute. Wayne Turmel is a co-founder of the Remote Leadership Institute and has helped organizations develop the communication skills to lead people, projects, and teams, particularly in adjusting to remote work environments.

Main Idea

The Long-Distance Leader: Rules for Remarkable Remote Leadership by Kevin Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel explores the unique challenges and strategies of leading remote teams. The book emphasizes the importance of foundational leadership principles and adapts them to the context of remote work, using models and strategies that ensure projects stay on track, keep productivity high, and build lasting relationships.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Remote Leadership Model
3. Three O Model
4. Leading Successfully
5. Understanding Ourselves
6. Engaging Others
7. Achieving Outcomes at a Distance
8. Getting Started
9. Developing Long-Distance Leaders

The Remote Leadership Model

The Remote Leadership Model introduces three interworking gears: Leadership and Management, Tools & Technology, and Skill & Impact. These gears work together to propel remote work effectively.

• Leadership and Management: The core responsibilities of leaders remain unchanged but must be adapted to remote contexts.
• Tools & Technology: Leaders must be proficient with remote work tools and technologies to facilitate communication and productivity.
• Skill & Impact: Effective use of tools and skills is critical to maintaining high performance and engagement in remote teams.

Leaders need to choose the right tools for the job and use them effectively to support their team's work and maintain high levels of engagement and productivity.

Three O Model

The Three O Model focuses on three areas: Outcomes, Others, and Ourselves, which are essential for effective remote leadership.

Outcomes

Leaders must keep a clear focus on desired outcomes. This involves setting clear goals, tracking progress, and ensuring that team members understand how their work contributes to the overall objectives.

"You lead people with the purpose of reaching a desired outcome." - Eikenberry and Turmel

Clear targets and regular reviews help remote teams stay aligned and focused on achieving their goals.

Others

Remote leaders need to emphasize building relationships, trust, and engagement among team members. Effective communication and collaboration are critical in achieving this.

"You lead with and through other people to reach those outcomes." - Eikenberry and Turmel

Engaging others involves understanding their needs, providing support, and fostering a collaborative team environment.

Ourselves

Leaders must also focus on their own well-being, self-awareness, and development. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance and continuously improving leadership skills are crucial for long-distance leaders.