How to Make Remote Work Actually Work: 7 Habits for Focus and Accountability

Send us Fan MailRemote working cannot succeed if managers rely on watching people to determine whether they are productive.It requires clear outcomes, professional habits, suitable systems, deliberate communication and trust.Recorded during the first COVID-19 lockdown, this solo episode captures Peter Boolkah’s seven recommendations for making working from home more focused, productive and sustainable.Peter challenges the assumption that employees must be physically visible to be managed effectively. If leaders cannot measure performance through objectives, outcomes and accountability, being in the same office will not solve the underlying management problem.You’ll discover:Why maintaining a daily routine supports the right mindsetHow planning your day prevents distraction and driftWhy a dedicated working environment improves focusHow to establish boundaries with other people at homeWhat belongs on a working-from-home equipment checklistWhy remote teams need deliberate communication rhythmsHow to protect your mental health when working in isolationPeter also discusses:Why trust is central to successful remote managementThe importance of measuring results rather than physical presenceSecure access, broadband, equipment and VPN requirementsThe employer’s responsibility is to provide appropriate equipmentWhy regular huddles and meetings create connection and clarityHow isolation can affect motivation and people’s sense of purposeThe potential environmental and lifestyle benefits of remote workRemote work does not remove the need for structure. It makes a good structure even more important.When expectations, communication and outcomes are clear, a team can remain accountable without the founder or manager constantly looking over everybody’s shoulder.ARCHIVE CONTEXTThis episode was recorded on 7 April 2020 during the first COVID-19 lockdown.Some comments about clothing, home backgrounds, pets and family interruptions reflect the emergency transition to remote work at that time. Modern remote and hybrid working should be judged primarily by performance, communication, security and sustainable outcomes, not whether somebody’s home resembles a traditional office.CONNECT WITH PETER BOOLKAHWebsite: https://www.boolkah.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boolkahInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pboolkah/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoolkahX: https://twitter.com/boolkahABOUT PETER BOOLKAHPeter Boolkah is a business coach, author and speaker who has spent more than 20 years helping business owners build stronger, more valuable businesses that do not depend on them for everything.He is the creator of The Hamster Wheel Trap® and author of Your Business Sucks: Build a Business That Works Without Destroying Your Life.Peter works with founders and leadership teams on the issues that ultimately determine whether a business creates freedom or becomes another job: leadership, founder dependency, people, profit, execution, scaling, exit readiness and enterprise value.His approach is direct, practical and built around one simple question:Do you own the business, or does the business own you?Learn more at https://www.boolkah.com