Managing a remote work team is an excellent way to reduce business costs and take your business online. However, there can be some serious challenges to keeping your remote team in check.
For one, remote teams may be too far apart to gather for regular team meetings. Also, remote teams often work unsupervised in their own home offices. How do you keep a team productive, motivated, and successful? What about the other challenges to remote team management specific to your industry--publishing, recordkeeping, legal, etc.?
Go to the experts. Reading about business management, specifically managing a remote team, can offer the solutions that you need. You can easily find resources that will help managers develop important skills, including organization, training, encouragement, team building, and more.
Start with this list of 10 reliable, respected resources. Ranging from classic management tools to recent publications that focus on remote work, these are the best management books to help you--and your team--succeed.
The Books
Distributed Teams by John O’Duinn
Working remotely isn’t just a feature of the digital age. In fact, the author of this book has been working in “distributed organizations” for decades. He explains how these organizations are similar to today’s remote teams, then shares the skills that he learned on the job.
This book takes a unique perspective on management, explaining what to do and what not to do if you want to succeed. O’Duinn includes research from managers in a variety of fields/industries, then highlights trends in successful management that work across-the-board.
Remote: Office Not Required by Jason Fried & David H. Hansson
Sure, there are unique challenges to managing remote teams, but what about the distinct advantages you should use in your favor? Remote discusses the myriad of benefits to working remotely, and details why a positive view of your position could help you make serious progress toward your company’s goals.
Authors Fried and Hansson explain how remote work should be handled, and even include some real-world examples of how not to manage a remote team. This is a must-read.
Reinventing Organizations by Frederic Laloux & Etienne Appert
These authors have gained notoriety for their groundbreaking approach to management. This book doesn’t just teach you how to manage a team, it breaks down the myths and unfortunate trends that plague businesses around the world. Learn how to apply specific skills to remote team management, including setting goals, then proceeding with a clear and focused approach.
Virtual Culture by Bryan Miles
The business world is changing, and not just in terms of hybrid and remote work. There are other changes that you need to adapt to if you’re going to lead a successful remote team. Find out how to upgrade your business, while also upgrading your approach to leadership. How can you improve your team to keep them competitive and productive?
Work Together Anywhere by Lisette Sutherland & Kirsten Janene-Nelson
Telecommuting is no longer a rarity, but a common trend in the business world. Authors Sutherland and Janene-Nelson evaluate the changes in how companies large and small conduct business. What are the experts doing to break down communication barriers and other challenges that can be to a remote team’s detriment?
Learn why working remotely is an excellent way to do business. Also, learn from the best how to manage intelligently: making the best out of a remote organization structure.
Working Remotely: The Telecommuter’s Guide to the Galaxy by Tim Baran
If you have set up a remote-focused business, you have actually poised yourself to succeed. Author Baran explains how various tools and resources, including web conferencing platforms, can be used to your advantage.
This insightful guide is one of the best management books for remote team leaders. It includes comprehensive recommendations, encouragement, insider tips, and even warnings.
The Remote Revolution by John Elston
Elston’s guide to remote work includes a unique approach. He explains how to successfully build a remote team from scratch. How should managers operate when they don’t lead their team in a communal office setting? Find out how to build a great team, keep your team inspired and engaged, and prevent high turnover rates.
The Digital Nomad Survival Guide by Peter Knudson & Katherine Conaway
These authors have many years of firsthand experience managing remote companies, and this book is their gift to the next generation of leaders. Learn how to budget, build a website, and orient a remote team to help you accomplish specific goals.
This book doesn’t just focus on management during working hours, it holds a magnifying glass to the life of a remote worker. What are the exciting features and challenges of this lifestyle, and how do obstacles affect the work remote employees do?
Influencing Virtual Teams by Hassan Osman
You’re a remote team manager. What exactly does that mean, and how should you proceed? This book teaches vital leadership skills to new and developing leaders but also includes helpful advice for any manager. Author Osman explains how you depend on your team--and vice-versa--for success. Find out how to keep employees productive and engaged, while also improving practices like training to benefit the whole team.
Leapfrog by Nathalie Molina Niño
This book is full of short, palatable, and action-focused advice for business leaders. Remote team managers can learn how to stay competitive, anticipate challenges, and make smart choices. While some management books may focus on how to direct your team, this book instructs leaders to orient themselves for success--and the rest will follow.
This book is geared toward female entrepreneurs, but it contains innovative business advice that all remote team leaders could use. The business world is tough, but this book is your companion.
In Conclusion
At least one of these 10 books can help you improve your remote team. Investing in your own management skills can be a major component of your team’s success, so don’t hesitate to seek out resources to help you improve.
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