REMOTE LEADERSHIP

A debut guide offers a levelheaded strategy for leading in the remote workplace.

One disruptive result of the Covid-19 pandemic was the rapid acceleration of work from home, leaving senior executives legitimately concerned about how to manage and lead remote employees. Pachter, founder and co-founder of several businesses, has personally navigated the ups and downs of remote leadership and shares both his experiences and his insights in this outstanding book. Primarily targeting the small company owner/CEO, the author makes a strong case for transformational change. He effectively suggests that it is time to jettison the traditional “command-and-control authority” of the CEO and instead adopt “leadership-based sharing” because “in your remote enterprise, each employee is in his or her own world, a single-serving CEO of themselves.” Pachter lays out a specific plan for making this transition, basing it on “the Three Pillars of great remote organizations”: “Reflective Leadership,” “Coaching Mindset and Culture,” and “Peer Learning.” An overview of the new workplace provides an unsparing look at how far-flung employees’ various locations affects not just the way they collaborate, but also the manner in which they need to be managed. Leaders, writes the author, must move out of their comfort zones, learning such potentially unsettling techniques as adopting “radical candor,” “giving up being the problem solver,” and embracing “skip-level management.” Ultimately, the most important measurement criterion for WFH success is “Accountability.” Pachter explores the Three Pillars in detail, thoroughly explains their importance, and illustrates each with superb examples drawn from his own experiences and other sources. The content surrounding Reflective Leadership is filled with wisdom that is sure to spark introspection. Here, the author talks about practicing “servant leadership,” “distinguishing between empathy and accountability,” and learning how to “slow down your reactions.” In Coaching, Pachter cites pertinent examples, makes salient observations, and provides perceptive counsel. Peer Learning is a captivating view into how the author’s own organization used “Circl.es,” a digital methodology designed to encourage participation with the objective of “reflecting the group’s shared purpose.” Pachter is a polished communicator; his writing is clear, fluid, and engaging.

Extremely timely and highly actionable advice on remote leadership.