Managing remote teams can be a challenging task, but with the right knowledge and resources, it can also be highly rewarding. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the nine must-read books for managers of remote teams. These books cover a wide range of topics, including building a strong remote culture, managing productivity, developing trust and communication, and ensuring work-life balance. Whether you are a new manager looking to build a remote team or an experienced leader seeking to improve your skills, these books offer invaluable insights and best practices to help you succeed in the world of remote work.
What is a Remote Team?
A remote team is a group of individuals who work together on a project or task, but are not physically located in the same office or workspace. Instead, they communicate and collaborate using various digital tools and technologies, such as email, instant messaging, video conferencing, project management software, and more.
Remote teams may consist of employees who work from home or from a co-working space, as well as freelancers or contractors who work from different locations around the world. The rise of remote work has led to an increase in the number of remote teams, as companies seek to access a larger pool of talent and offer more flexible work arrangements for their employees.
Benefits & Challenges of Remote Work Management
Managing a remote team has become increasingly common in today’s workplace, but it comes with both benefits and challenges. On the one hand, remote work offers flexibility, increased productivity, and reduced overhead costs. It allows companies to tap into a global talent pool and offers employees the freedom to work from anywhere.
- Flexibility: Remote work offers flexibility to employees, allowing them to work from anywhere, at any time, as long as they have an internet connection.
- Cost savings: Remote work can help employees save on transportation, wardrobe, and food expenses. For employers, remote work can lead to lower overhead costs, such as rent and utilities.
- Increased productivity: Many remote workers report higher productivity levels due to fewer distractions and the ability to work in their preferred environment.
- Access to a wider pool of talent: Employers can access a wider pool of talent when hiring remotely, as they’re not limited to hiring individuals within a specific geographic area.
On the other hand, managing remote workers can be challenging, as communication and collaboration may suffer, and it can be difficult to establish a strong team culture. Additionally, remote work can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection, and managers may struggle to build trust and maintain team morale.
- Communication and collaboration: Remote work can make communication and collaboration more challenging, as team members may be located in different time zones and rely heavily on digital tools and technologies to communicate.
- Isolation: Remote work can be isolating, as employees may not have the same level of interaction and socialization with coworkers that they would have in a traditional office setting.
- Distractions: Working from home can lead to distractions, such as household chores, family members, and pets, which can impact productivity.
- Technology issues: Remote work relies heavily on technology, and technical issues such as poor internet connectivity and software glitches can impede productivity.
Overall, remote work offers many benefits, but it also comes with its own unique challenges. Successfully managing remote teams and addressing these challenges requires clear communication, trust, and a willingness to adapt to new ways of working.
The 9 Best-Sellers on Managing Remote Teams
If you are managing a remote team, you may be looking for ways to improve your leadership skills and better support your team members. To help you in your quest, we have compiled a list of 9 must-read, best books for managers of remote teams. These books cover a wide range of topics, from building a strong remote culture to managing remote workers effectively and efficiently.
1. The Long-Distance Leader: Rules for Remarkable Remote Leadership
by Kevin Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel
Key themes:
- Communication
- Building relationships
- Leveraging technology
- Creating a culture of Accountability
- Managing performance
In “The Long-Distance Leader: Rules for Remarkable Remote Leadership,” Kevin Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel provide practical guidance on how to lead remote teams effectively. The book emphasizes the importance of clear communication, building trust, and creating a culture of accountability. It also offers advice on how to address common challenges that remote leaders may face, such as managing performance, building relationships, and ensuring alignment across the team.
One of the key themes of the book is the importance of developing strong relationships with remote team members. The authors offer strategies for building trust, such as holding regular one-on-one meetings, creating opportunities for informal conversations, and being transparent and authentic in communication.
The book also stresses the importance of leveraging technology to support remote work, such as using video conferencing like Zoom for team meetings and virtual whiteboards for collaboration. Overall, “The Long-Distance Leader” is a great book for leaders who are managing remote teams and seeking to create a high-performing and engaged workforce.
View “The Long-Distance Leader: Rules for Remarkable Remote Leadership” on Amazon
2. Remote: Office Not Required
by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson
Key themes:
- Benefits of remote work
- Roles of technology
- Creating a culture of trust
- Managing communication
- Overcoming challenges
In “Remote: Office Not Required,” Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson challenge the traditional notion that work must be done in a centralized office space. The authors argue that remote work can lead to increased productivity, improved work-life balance, and a better bottom line for businesses. The book covers a range of topics related to remote work, including hiring and managing remote workers, leveraging technology to support remote work, and creating a culture of trust and autonomy. The authors also address common concerns about remote work, such as communication, isolation, and productivity. Through real-life examples and practical advice, “Remote” offers a persuasive case for why remote work is the future of work, and how businesses can successfully transition to a remote work model.
View “Remote: Office Not Required” on Amazon
3. Leading from Anywhere: The Essential Guide to Managing Remote Teams
by David Burkus
Key themes:
- Leadership in a remote environment
- Building trust and connection
- Communication and collaboration
- Performance management
- Culture and engagement
“Leading from Anywhere: The Essential Guide to Managing Remote Teams” by David Burkus is a comprehensive guide to effectively leading and managing remote teams. Burkus emphasizes that effective leadership is essential in a remote work environment and provides practical guidance on building trust and connection with remote team members, communicating and collaborating effectively, managing performance, and creating a strong remote work culture. The book also addresses common challenges of remote work, such as isolation and disengagement, and offers practical advice on how to overcome these challenges. Through real-life examples and research-based insights, “Leading from Anywhere” offers a valuable resource for leaders and managers who are transitioning to a remote work model or looking to improve their leadership skills in a remote environment.
View “Leading from Anywhere: The Essential Guide to Managing Remote Teams” on Amazon
4. Office Optional: How to Build a Connected Culture with Virtual Teams
by Larry English
Key themes:
- Building a connected culture
- Technology as an enabler
- Creating a shared purpose
- Empowering virtual team members
- Overcoming challenges
“Office Optional: How to Build a Connected Culture with Virtual Teams” by Larry English is a practical guide to building a strong virtual team culture. English emphasizes the importance of using technology as an enabler to create a sense of connection and collaboration among virtual team members. The book provides practical guidance on how to create a shared purpose and align on goals, values, and mission. English also offers advice on how to empower virtual team members, including providing clear goals and expectations, offering training and development opportunities, and recognizing and rewarding performance. Additionally, “Office Optional” addresses common challenges of virtual teams such as communication barriers and isolation and offers practical advice on how to overcome these challenges. Through real-life examples and practical advice, “Office Optional” offers valuable insights for leaders and managers who are looking to build a strong virtual team culture.
View “Office Optional: How to Build a Connected Culture with Virtual Teams” on Amazon
5. Work Together Anywhere: A Handbook on Working Remotely—Successfully—for Individuals, Teams, and Managers
by Lisette Sutherland
Key themes:
- The benefits of remote work
- Effective communication and collaboration
- Managing virtual teams
- Overcoming common challenges
- Remote work for individuals
“Work Together Anywhere: A Handbook on Working Remotely—Successfully—for Individuals, Teams, and Managers” by Lisette Sutherland is a good book and go-to guide to working remotely effectively. Sutherland emphasizes the benefits of remote work, such as increased flexibility and access to a global talent pool, and provides practical guidance on how to communicate and collaborate effectively in a remote work environment. The book also offers advice on managing virtual teams effectively, setting clear goals and expectations, providing regular feedback and recognition, and creating a strong team culture. Additionally, “Work Together Anywhere” addresses common challenges of remote work such as isolation and disengagement, and offers practical advice on how to overcome these challenges. The book is also useful for individuals who are new to remote work, offering tips on setting up a home office, managing distractions, and staying motivated. Through real-life examples and practical advice, “Work Together Anywhere” offers valuable insights for individuals, teams, and managers who are looking to work remotely successfully.
6. The New Corner Office: How the Most Successful People Work from Home
by Laura Vanderkam
Key themes:
- Building an effective work from home routine
- Strategies for staying focused and productive
- Maintaining work-life balance
- Effective communication in a remote work environment
- Leveraging the benefits of remote work
“The New Corner Office: How the Most Successful People Work from Home” by Laura Vanderkam is a guide to help readers make the most of their remote work experience. The book provides practical advice on how to establish a successful work-from-home routine, while also maintaining a work-life balance. Vanderkam draws upon her own experience as well as extensive research to provide insights into how to stay productive, minimize distractions, and communicate effectively in a remote work environment. The book offers guidance on how to leverage the benefits of remote work to achieve success, including increased flexibility and autonomy. The author emphasizes that remote work offers a unique opportunity for individuals to design their own work lives, and provides guidance on how to create a schedule that works best for each individual. Overall, “The New Corner Office” is a valuable resource for anyone looking to work remotely more effectively and achieve success in a virtual work environment.
View “The New Corner Office: How the Most Successful People Work from Home” on Amazon
7. Virtual Culture: The Way We Work Doesn’t Work Anymore, a Manifesto
by Bryan Miles
Key themes:
- Embracing virtual work
- Building a virtual culture
- Leveraging technology
- Leading virtual teams
- Reinventing work
“Virtual Culture: The Way We Work Doesn’t Work Anymore, a Manifesto” by Bryan Miles is a thought-provoking book that argues for a new way of working in the modern world. The author makes a compelling case for virtual work, which he sees as the future of work. The book highlights the benefits of virtual work, including increased productivity, cost savings, and greater flexibility, and provides practical guidance on how to build a virtual culture that supports remote teams. Miles emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology to support virtual work and provides insights into how to lead virtual teams effectively. The book challenges traditional notions of work and encourages companies to embrace a new way of working that promotes team-building, connection, and engagement among remote workers. Overall, “Virtual Culture” is a valuable resource for anyone interested in virtual work and building a culture that supports remote teams.
View “Virtual Culture: The Way We Work Doesn’t Work Anymore, a Manifesto” on Amazon
8. Influencing Virtual Teams: 17 Tactics That Get Things Done with Your Remote Employees
by Hassan Osman
Key themes:
- Building trust and fostering relationships
- Improving communication
- Managing virtual meetings
- Coaching remote team members
- Using technology
“Influencing Virtual Teams: 17 Tactics That Get Things Done with Your Remote Employees” by Hassan Osman is a practical guide for managers and team leaders who want to improve their ability to influence and manage remote teams. The book emphasizes the importance of building trust and developing relationships with remote team members and offers actionable tactics to help achieve these goals. Osman highlights the importance of clear communication, effective feedback, and coaching to improve productivity and performance in remote teams. He also offers guidance on using technology to support remote work and improve teamwork, including selecting the right tools and managing virtual meetings. The book is highly accessible and provides concrete strategies that remote managers can put into practice immediately. Overall, “Influencing Virtual Teams” is an essential resource for anyone who wants to lead a successful remote team and get things done with their remote employees.
9. Working From Home: Making the New Normal Work for You
Karen Mangia
Key themes:
- Setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care
- The importance of developing a routine
- Setting clear expectations for work and personal time
- Maintaining productivity and motivation
- Using technology to improve collaboration
“Working From Home: Making the New Normal Work for You” by Karen Mangia is an ultimate guide for anyone who is adjusting to remote work or looking to improve their productivity and well-being while working from home. The book offers a comprehensive approach to remote work, covering topics such as time management, self-care, and building strong relationships with colleagues. One of the key themes of the book is the importance of establishing clear boundaries between work and personal time. Mangia provides practical tips for managing distractions, staying focused, and taking breaks to avoid burnout. She also emphasizes the importance of staying connected with colleagues and using technology to support communication and collaboration. Overall, “Working From Home” is an essential guide for anyone who wants to thrive in the new normal of remote work and achieve a healthy work-life balance.
View “Working From Home: Making the New Normal Work for You” on Amazon
Best Practices for Managing Remote Teams
In conclusion, managing a remote team is not without its challenges, but it can also bring numerous benefits. By reading the nine must-read books we’ve recommended, you can gain insights and best practices to help you overcome the obstacles of managing remote workers and build a strong, productive, and engaged team. These books cover a wide range of topics, from developing a strong remote company culture to building trust and communication, managing productivity, and ensuring work-life balance.
By implementing the strategies outlined in these books, you can improve your leadership skills, support your remote team members, and build a successful and thriving remote workforce. Whether you are new to managing remote teams or an experienced leader, these books are an invaluable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the world of remote work.