Listen On…
In this dynamic podcast episode with Sean Campbell, CEO of Cascade Insights, he shares the skillset of a successful remote work leader. Sean highlights three key skills for modern remote leaders, including the importance of strong writing skills, the need for shorter and more focused virtual meetings, and the significance of creating a culture where employees feel comfortable expressing their lack of understanding of a topic. The discussion also delves into the challenges of addressing childcare arrangements and managing employee distractions.
Additionally, Sean shares insights on the skillset of a thriving team member, emphasizing the ability to interrupt your boss, choosing the right communication channels, and effectively shining through communication. Tune in to gain valuable tips for navigating the remote work landscape and fostering productive and balanced work environments as we Team Anywhere.
The Skillset of a Successful Remote Work Leader
According to Sean Campbell there are 3 skills that a modern remote work leader should possess:
- Writing – Sean emphasized the crucial role of strong writing skills in the remote work environment, highlighting the need for clear and concise communication in emails and messages. Campbell debunked the misconception that introverts excel in written communication, emphasizing that effective writing can be developed by anyone.
- Conduct Shorter Meetings – Campbell emphasizes the need to reconsider the duration of virtual meetings, urging leaders to end them after achieving their objectives rather than sticking to a standard 30-minute timeframe. He also discusses the challenge of managing attendee lists in virtual meetings, cautioning against the tendency for individuals to attend meetings out of fear of missing out and advocating for leaders to proactively guide employees in determining their meeting participation based on relevance and productivity.
- Show Your Ignorance – Embracing and openly acknowledging ignorance in virtual work environments encourages transparency and engagement. Campbell highlighted the challenges of expressing uncertainty or seeking help in a virtual setting compared to in-person interactions. He emphasized the need to build a culture where employees feel comfortable admitting what they don’t know, as it fosters productivity and eliminates unnecessary time spent trying to figure things out independently.
Be Comfortable with Childcare Conversations
Campbell shared personal experiences and highlighted the need for leaders to have open and honest conversations about childcare arrangements with their employees, especially given the complexities of addressing this issue in a virtual environment. He acknowledged the legal complexities surrounding these discussions and emphasized the necessity of finding a framework to address childcare issues in a company, promoting understanding and support for employees’ work-life balance.
Deal the Issues with Fairness — Here’s WHY!
Sean shared the challenges of managing employee distractions, specifically related to personal projects like home remodeling. Campbell shared a personal experience where an employee’s focus was divided due to ongoing construction work at their new house. He emphasized the need to address such situations from a fairness perspective, ensuring that all team members are working towards common productivity targets and value creation goals.
The Skillset of a Thriving Team Member
According to Sean Campbell here are 3 skills that an employee must possess in the modern work world:
- Interrupt Your Boss – Campbell emphasized the need for employees to feel comfortable interrupting their boss, especially in a virtual setting, and shared an example where an employee misunderstood the notion of interrupting, highlighting the need for clear communication in virtual environments.
- Choose the Best Communication Channels – Campbell discussed the need for leaders to clearly define which communication channels are appropriate and model their use, and in turn, employees should familiarize themselves with video conferencing software and avoid technical issues in meetings. Additionally, establishing boundaries between work and personal life for mental health reasons was highlighted as a key aspect of the manager-employee relationship in a virtual environment.
- Effective Communication – the importance of employees shining bright with effective communication was discussed. Campbell emphasized the need for employees to choose the mode of communication where they feel most productive and present, whether it’s through video or phone. He highlighted the importance of focusing on the problem upstream rather than implementing methods of policing distractions.
Who is Sean Campbell?
Sean Campbell is the CEO of Cascade Insights, a competitive intelligence and market research firm for B2B technology companies. With over 20 years of experience in the technology industry, he shapes the company’s strategy, leads thought leadership initiatives, and fosters client relationships. Sean is a renowned speaker, having presented on B2B competitive intelligence at over 250 global events. He has also authored multiple books and ebooks, including the latest edition of “Going Beyond Google,” and hosts the widely acclaimed B2B Revealed podcast, featuring discussions on methodology, B2B tech, and interviews with industry thought leaders.
- Website: https://www.cascadeinsights.com/sean-campbell/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seancampbell
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