The Long-Distance Teammate

About the Authors

Kevin Eikenberry is a leading authority in leadership development, known for his extensive work in helping individuals and organizations achieve their full potential. As the Chief Potential Officer at The Kevin Eikenberry Group, Kevin brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the field of remote work and leadership. His thought leadership is recognized globally, and he has been named among the Top 100 Leadership and Management Experts in the World by Inc.com. Kevin’s passion for helping people develop their leadership skills is evident in his numerous books and articles, which focus on practical strategies for personal and professional growth.

Wayne Turmel has a rich and varied background that spans from stand-up comedy to car sales to becoming a co-founder of the Remote Leadership Institute. His unique career trajectory has equipped him with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in remote work. Wayne has authored or co-authored over a dozen books, contributing valuable insights into remote work dynamics and leadership. His work emphasizes practical solutions and strategies for thriving in a remote work environment, making him a respected voice in the field.

Main Idea

"The Long-Distance Teammate: Stay Engaged and Connected While Working Anywhere" by Kevin Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel is a pivotal guide for anyone navigating the remote work landscape. The book addresses the complexities and nuances of working remotely, particularly in an era where remote work has become increasingly common. The core idea of the book revolves around the concept that remote work is not merely about distance but about how one can remain engaged, productive, and connected despite physical separation from colleagues.

The authors argue that being a successful remote worker involves more than just managing tasks from afar. It requires cultivating a mindset and skill set that enables one to be a proactive and integral part of a team. The book provides actionable strategies and insights into maintaining motivation, building relationships, and enhancing communication in a remote setting. By focusing on these areas, the book aims to help remote workers thrive and achieve their professional goals while staying connected to their teams.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Part I: You as a Remote Teammate
• The 3 P Model for Remote Work Success
• Getting Your Mindset Right
• Getting and Staying Motivated When You Work Alone
• The Power of Establishing Routines
3. Part II: Skills to Help You Succeed
• Getting Clear Expectations for Your Work
• Creating Great Remote Communication
• Creating Ethical Visibility
• Building and Maintaining Relationships
• Giving and Receiving Feedback
4. Part III: You and Your Future
• Taking Care of Yourself
• Managing Your Learning and Growth
5. Part IV: If You Lead Others
• Leading Great Remote Teammates
6. Conclusion

Introduction

The introduction to "The Long-Distance Teammate" sets the stage for understanding the modern remote work environment. The authors recognize that remote work is not just a temporary adjustment but a significant shift in how work is conducted. They emphasize that remote work requires a new approach to how we engage with our work and our teams.

Kevin Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel suggest that remote work challenges traditional notions of productivity and team dynamics. They state, "The challenges of working remotely are not just about distance. They are about how we think about our work, how we interact with our teams, and how we maintain our motivation and engagement." This sets up the book’s exploration of how remote workers can excel in these new conditions.

Part I: You as a Remote Teammate

The first part of the book introduces the foundational concepts that remote workers need to understand to succeed. The authors discuss the "3 P Model for Remote Work Success," which includes Productivity, Proactivity, and Potential. This model provides a framework for understanding what it takes to be an effective remote teammate.