virtual leadership

Traditional leadership based on presence is passé. In the age of home office and digital media, social skills are more important than ever. Is it even possible to lead a team online?

Virtual management is a major challenge for managers, especially in times of crisis. Many managers currently have to manage at a distance, make working hours more flexible, show more trust and introduce new forms of cooperation.

What is virtual leadership anyway?

What does that even mean and how is it lived? Nowadays it is possible to work together via different communication channels such as teams without sitting in the office. Virtual leadership means remote collaboration.

It is not possible to exchange ideas quickly while standing over a cup of coffee, to arrange spontaneous talks or meetings or to clarify open questions.

Virtual tour - that's how it works!

In order to maintain an overview and also to shine online as a manager, the following points must be observed:

Too much control is bad

When working virtually, you are often tempted to control more than before. However, this should be avoided! If employees are constantly monitored, this creates stress on both sides.

Create framework conditions

In the home office in particular, it can be difficult to distinguish between working hours and free time. Create fixed working hours with, for example, core working hours and weekly catch-up meetings to stay in the exchange of information. Set clear structures and goals, what are the expectations, priorities and process flows.

Communication is the be-all and end-all

Since the personal exchange in virtual work is decreasing, communicative and open managers are all the more in demand. Team communication must be designed to involve all team members, regardless of their location. Above all, informal communication must not be neglected, short virtual breaks or online coffee parties etc. make it possible to create and maintain a good atmosphere in the team.

give feedback

Always stay constructive. If there is no personal contact, the focus is even more on supporting employees. Regular feedback helps employees integrate into the company and feel like an important part of the team. It also helps to identify problems or requests more quickly and then adapt them accordingly. Virtual leadership can be a challenge, especially when it happens unexpectedly like in Corona times. Nevertheless, it also presents many opportunities to work together faster, more individually and more flexibly in terms of time