The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the trend of remote work, leading to a significant shift in how we work and interact with our colleagues. While this shift presents new challenges, it also provides an opportunity for women to excel in the workplace.
Despite the flexibility and autonomy awarded with the rise of remote work, it can be isolating at times and difficult for women to showcase their skills and take on leadership roles.
Here are some tips to help you thrive and succeed in a remote work environment.
Be proactive and seek out opportunities to lead
In a remote workplace, it can be easy to become passive and often reactive to the business needs. One way to separate yourself from the crowd is by taking the initiative to identify issues and take action on implementing solutions. By proactively executing resolutions and proposing ways to improve the business, you demonstrate your ability to solve problems and prove that you have what it takes to become a good leader. Seeking out opportunities to volunteer to lead projects or teams is another great way to establish yourself and showcase your leadership skills.
Build strong communication skills
As in any work environment, communication is essential, and even more so in a remote setting. To excel in leadership positions, you must be able to articulate your ideas clearly to convey your points and listen to others intently to understand their perspective and effectively work together. And due to the challenges that arise from being in different locations, it can be tough to build relationships at work, so be sure to take time out of your day to reach out to colleagues, participate in virtual company events, and speak up during conversations. Not only are you able to share your thoughts and ideas, but you have the opportunity to learn and connect with others.
Be confident
With remote work, it becomes even more critical that you believe in yourself and exude confidence as it is how you portray yourself to others through the way you speak, present, and engage with the task at hand. Confidence is about being vocal about your ideas, stepping up to the plate when no one wants to present, and holding yourself and others accountable in making sure a project is taken over the finish line and done at the highest quality. By having confidence in yourself, you’ll inspire others to do the same, and that is one of the great traits of a leader.
Seek out mentorship and networking opportunities
Mentorships and networking are crucial for career development, regardless of the workplace setting. In a remote world, women should be more intentional about nurturing their relationships with colleagues and seeking mentors who are able to provide guidance, support, and advice. These connections can help advocate for you as you advance in your career. Some of the ways to network and build these relationships are through virtual conferences, both inside and outside of your organization, as well as online communities, which offer opportunities to learn and connect with professionals like yourself across a variety of industries.
To conclude, the rise of remote work has opened up new opportunities for women to excel in the workplace. Like everything else, there are challenges, but with some of these tips, you’ll be able to overcome them and develop the skills you need to take charge and thrive as a leader.