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The Value of Flexible Management in the Age of Remote Work

A lot has changed in this increasingly remote world. Here's how your management style should change, too

By | David Partain | www.entrepreneur.com

Usually, when people talk about flexibility, they discuss it in terms of the entire organization. However, achieving flexibility for the group depends on being flexible as a manager. Otherwise, your team simply isn’t free to explore, be creative, or find customized solutions that work for them in their specific roles. This has never been more important than in the modern era of remote work.

A personal “aha” moment

In the past, I worked the way many managers do, where I would check in with a project at different points, give insights, and make changes. But a few years ago, I became a big fan of using an agile approach, especially in technology development. Instead of coming in and making tweaks that meant cost overruns and delays, the technology team could see how I viewed the project all along the development path. Then, they could iterate and tweak with me in real-time to keep the project on course, within budget, and on time.

I had a real-life example in front of me to demonstrate that agility works for efficiency. It also made me realize that there’s a connection between being agile and meeting employees where they are. The team had the potential to be flexible all along. They simply hadn’t been given a chance because of my style as a manager. 

Making simple shifts

As a result of my experience, I started making a more conscious effort to adapt my style and support flexibility within my team. One thing I’ve always done is have monthly accomplishment meetings. In those get-togethers, I talk to employees about what we’ve done right, what they’ve accomplished, and what they’ve enjoyed. The focus isn’t on what’s going to happen but what’s already happened. That gives us a base to chat about what to do going forward. It also helps people understand that they did achieve things and that I noticed, which builds trust and morale.

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