Managing employees in various locations is different from leading an in-office team. Here’s how to properly train remote leaders.
A Prepared Leader Is a Successful Leader
Managing and leading a remote team comes with special challenges and requires unique skills. Proactive communication is essential for success when managers are working with a distributed workforce. Remote-leadership courses can give you the skills you need to successfully manage remote workers.
This guide is for business owners and leaders who want to improve their leadership skills in a remote work environment.
Remote work is on the rise, which means leaders must adapt to leading and developing teams from a distance. This environment requires a different skill set than traditional in-office management. Leaders need to address challenges such as communication, teamwork, and company culture among a dispersed workforce. When leaders are prepared, the flexibility of remote work can benefit the entire organization.
Tips for Training Leaders With Remote Teams
Training leaders to manage remote workers effectively is vital to the success of any remote work program. A remote leader’s focus should be on results and processes rather than on face time, which is often relied upon in traditional office settings.
Experts in remote work offer the following best practices for managers of dispersed teams.
1. Teach Leaders Proactive Communication
One of the most useful areas of remote leadership training is proactive communication among teams and colleagues.
Proactive communication — taking the initiative to reach out when an idea, question, or challenge arises rather than waiting for a meeting — helps build transparency, trust, and prevents problems from being overlooked.
It’s exponentially harder for a remote leader to manage a team compared with one in person. To succeed, leaders should make a strong effort to stay in touch with each team member.
Leaders can hold regular individual meetings to address questions and solve problems, not just provide updates. They should also establish clear communication guidelines — such as when to use email, phone, chat, or video. Important or emotional topics should not be handled by email.
Leaders must also communicate the “why” behind tasks and projects, not just the “what,” “when,” and “how.” When team members understand the purpose behind their work, they can operate with greater autonomy and alignment.
2. Prepare Leaders to Set Clear Expectations
In an office, employees often learn expectations through orientation and by observing others. In remote work, those cues are missing.
Leaders should clearly communicate expectations from day one, including workday schedules, meeting norms, and response times. They should define what success looks like in the first month and outline key role priorities.
Leaders should also learn about employees’ expectations — what they hope to achieve and how they see their career developing. This shows genuine interest in their success and builds engagement.
Tip: Create a checklist that outlines expectations and the typical workday. Have leaders use it when onboarding new employees.
3. Help Leaders Translate Company Culture
Translating company culture for remote teams can be challenging. Leaders must intentionally bring elements of in-office culture into the virtual environment — such as casual check-ins, shared celebrations, and open conversations.
Regular informal interactions help maintain connection and prevent isolation.
Did You Know?
A study found that a toxic company culture was the No. 1 reason people quit their jobs.
4. Encourage an Environment of Recognition
Employees who rarely receive recognition are far more likely to leave within a year. In remote settings, positive feedback and wins can easily be missed.
Leaders should make recognition a habit — celebrating accomplishments in team meetings or through company communication channels. Encourage peers to recognize one another as well.
Recognition programs might include monthly awards or shout-outs for milestones and innovative ideas. Public acknowledgment on social platforms or team channels can reinforce appreciation and motivation.
A little recognition goes a long way in retaining top talent.
5. Bring People Together
Whenever possible, remote leaders and their teams should meet in person — whether monthly, quarterly, or annually. These meetings strengthen relationships and provide valuable training and collaboration time.
Leaders can also connect through conferences or professional development events. Face-to-face opportunities help align teams and refresh energy.
Leadership training should focus on universal best practices: communication, culture, empowerment, and strategic focus — regardless of location.
Tip: Provide leaders with opportunities to bring their teams together through retreats, headquarters meetings, or industry events.
Remote Leadership Training and Courses
Remote leadership requires specialized skills. The following training options can help leaders master remote management:
Remote Leadership Institute
Offers courses, blog resources, and a Remote Team Assessment tool.
The Remote Leadership Course Certificate Series includes six sessions completed in about five weeks, plus books and materials for effective virtual leadership.
Workplaceless
Provides assignments, case studies, and facilitation sessions tailored for remote leaders.
Modules include Remote Team Culture, Conflict Management, and Learning and Development, with certification upon completion.
Evolve
Offers e-learning solutions for individuals and teams.
The Remote Leadership Toolkit includes 18 microcourses covering Virtual Meetings, Coaching Feedback, and more.
Remote How
Features a six-week, self-paced program with videos, assessments, webinars, and a community forum.
The Managing Distributed Teams course includes consulting sessions and certification.
Cornell University (eCornell)
Provides a three-month Leading Remote Teams Certificate program covering topics like:
- Building high-performing virtual teams
- Launching virtual projects
- Communication and collaboration
- Decision-making and accountability
- Diversity and cross-cultural teams
Includes a live, three-day leadership session.
A Prepared Leader Is a Successful Leader
As remote and hybrid work models grow, leaders must be equipped to handle this evolving environment. With the right preparation and training, leaders can retain top talent, strengthen culture, and maintain productivity — no matter where their teams are located.