Still Loading: A podcast all about Leadership for the Digital Age
#49 Navigating remote leadership and the future of work with Peter Benei
Episode notes
In this episode, we dive into the world of remote leadership and the challenges faced by leaders in the digital age. Our guest, Peter Benei, founder of Anywhere Consulting, shares his expertise in leadership development for remote leaders and provides valuable insights for startups and growing companies. Peter highlights the common operational mistakes made by founders, stemming from their background in enterprise leadership or a lack of business-building knowledge. He emphasises the need for leaders to adapt to the fast-paced and reactive nature of startups, particularly when transitioning from an enterprise setting. The conversation explores the key differences between traditional and remote leadership, focusing on the importance of intentionality, pre-communication, and written communication in remote work environments. Peter argues that these practices should be embraced by all leaders, regardless of having a physical office, as they foster collaboration, support, and effective communication. Drawing attention to the power of leaders' habits and behaviour’s, Peter discusses how modelling positive behaviour influences team members more effectively than mere instructions. He emphasises the significance of self-reflection for leaders to identify their negative behaviours and their potential impact on their teams. One valuable practice Peter suggests is the creation of a user manual, enabling leaders to outline their communication preferences, collaboration styles, trigger points, and other important information. This manual fosters self-awareness and promotes better understanding within teams while challenging stereotypes and assumptions to improve communication and collaboration. The episode also delves into the significance of intentionality, empathy, and written communication in bridging gaps between team members with different social skills and cultural backgrounds. Written communication is highlighted as an inclusive tool, benefiting introverts and ensuring everyone's ideas are heard and considered. We talk about the need to on improve facilitation skills and creating inclusive meeting environments to enhance team engagement and productivity. With uncertainty prevailing in leadership due to the unpredictable nature of the current times, Peter sheds light on how the people-first approach is gaining prominence, with workplaces treating employees as individuals working collaboratively towards a shared goal. What about the future of work? We share insights on the anticipated impact of AI in the workplace in the coming years. Leaders must stay prepared to adapt and navigate these changes to create thriving work environments that embrace technological advancements while prioritising their teams. Join us for this thought-provoking episode as we explore the nuances of remote leadership, the power of intentionality, and the evolving landscape of work in the digital age. Are you ready to learn more? You can find more out about Peter and the work that he does at https://anywhere.consulting/