Episode 127

Long-Distance Leadership with Kevin Eikenberry

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Kevin Eikenberry is coauthor of The Long-Distance Teammate: Stay Engaged and Connected While Working Anywhere. He founded the Kevin Eikenberry Group in 1993 and is the cofounder of the Remote Leadership Institute. Kevin has twice been named one of Inc.'s Top 100 Leadership and Management Experts in the World. He is also the author or coauthor of three Amazon bestsellers: Remarkable Leadership, From Bud to Boss, and The Long-Distance Leader.

 

LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS

  • There is a big difference in working from home and being an effective remove teammate.
  • The longer we work alone, the more likely it is to become insular. Connecting our success to the team’s success is important.
  • To be a teammate is to be connected.
  • Having clear expectations across the team helps the team to function more effectively when working remotely.
  • When working remotely, communication becomes more transactional. Create opportunities for interaction by taking what worked before and translating that to online. E.g., allow anyone to open the meeting for small talk beforehand. The first thing you should do in meetings is talk about non-work issues.
  • Schedule 5-10 minute drop-in calls or message people in your organization to see who might be interested in a quick call or messaging conversation.
  • STOP micromanaging! Instead, set clearer expectations.
  • Engagement is not something we do to people. Create an environment where it’s easier to be engaged. Help them make the choice.

 

QUESTIONS TO INSPIRE US TO ACTION

  • What is some lesson, saying, or experience that continues to influence your leadership to this day? We all as humans and leaders can learn from anyone. It’s our job to look for those lessons.
  • Use three descriptors to finish this sentence: “A leader is…” Others-focused, humble, and confident.
  • What is a question that leaders should be asking either themselves or others? What can I do to help you?
  • What book would you recommend to leaders? The Long-Distance Leader: Rules for Remarkable Remote Leadership by Kevin Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel
  • If you could get every listener to start doing something THIS week to help them be a better leader, what would it be? Ask more questions and listen better.
  • As a general life principle, is it better to ask “why?” or “why not?” “Why?” It’s an incredibly powerful question that causes us to go into “kid mode.” Even with the baggage, it’s a powerful question.

 

CONNECT WITH KEVIN

 

CONNECT WITH JOSH

 

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About the Podcast

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Life as Leadership: Where Leaders Gather to Grow Together
Where leaders gather to grow together

About your host

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Josh Friedeman

Josh Friedeman is a coach who works with organizations to improve their efficiency and revenue. Learn more about him and his guests on his two podcasts, "Business Bitcoinization" and "Life as Leadership." To explore working with Josh, visit friedemanleadership.com.