Working remotely isn’t new. For decades, companies have had branches and offices in multiple locations, with teams seamlessly collaborating across cities, states, and even countries. Remote work isn’t a stigma or a novelty—it’s part of the fabric of modern business. If you’re an individual contributor in a large company working remotely and aspire to move into management, know this: remote leadership is possible because leadership is about mindset, visibility, and value, not geography. You don’t need to move geographically to make your mark as a leader, or wait for the “right time” to step into leadership. This is the moment to take control of your career, show up as a leader today and transform your potential into action. You can break into management as a remote contributor any time.

How to Grow Leadership while Working Remote:

1. Recognize Leadership Happens Everywhere

Management roles aren’t confined to headquarters. Some of the best leaders emerge from remote offices, shaping culture, driving results, and influencing strategy from wherever they are. When it comes to driving results, remote leaders often excel by leveraging the tools and strategies unique to remote work. They understand that efficiency in remote work is about clarity of expectations and empowering their team members with autonomy.

Ingredients needed to build leadership anywhere:

• Communication Skills. Clear and concise communication is essential in remote settings. It ensures that tasks, goals, and expectations are understood across distances, eliminating misunderstandings and keeping everyone on the same page.
• Empathy. This is especially important in remote work, where personal interactions are limited. Understanding and addressing team members’ challenges fosters trust and engagement.
• Shared Goals. Defining and working toward shared goals creates alignment, even when team members are scattered across time zones. A unified purpose helps maintain focus and drive across remote teams.
• Empowerment. By trusting individuals to make decisions and take ownership of their work, remote leaders build a stronger and more self-reliant team.
• Feedback. Consistent, constructive feedback keeps the team growing and improving. With remote leadership, you must actively seek and give feedback to maintain open communication and support development.
• Vision & Strategy. A clear vision and strong strategy give the team direction and guide the team toward ambitious goals, despite physical distances.
• Decision-Making. Effective decision-making is crucial in remote setups, where immediate collaboration isn’t always an option. Leaders need to make timely, informed decisions while considering input from dispersed team members.
• Trust. You need to be able to trust your team to work independently while fostering a culture where team members trust each other to collaborate effectively.

2. Build a Remote Leadership Presence

• Be Visible: Actively participate in virtual meetings, share insights, and offer solutions. Use video when possible—it humanizes interactions.
• Communicate Clearly: Regularly update your manager and colleagues on your contributions. A simple recap of accomplishments or progress builds credibility.

3. Act Like a Leader Before You Have the Title

• Step Up: Volunteer for leadership opportunities within your current role—whether it’s mentoring a teammate, coordinating a project, or presenting to stakeholders.
• Practice Leadership: Develop skills like delegation, effective communication, and decision-making. Demonstrate your readiness to lead.

4. Advocate for Your Growth

• Share Your Goals: Have an honest conversation with your manager about your desire to move into management. Seek feedback on what’s needed to make it happen.
• Ask for Opportunities: Whether it’s taking on a challenging project or representing your team, embrace experiences that stretch you.

5. Network with Intention

• Internal Connections: Build relationships across teams and functions. Collaboration fosters trust and expands your influence.
• Engage Virtually: Participate in company chat channels, attend virtual networking events, or set up coffee chats with colleagues to stay connected.

6. Demonstrate Remote Leadership as a Strength

With the rise of distributed teams, remote management is a critical skill. Highlight how you’re already practicing it—leading without proximity, collaborating effectively, and driving outcomes.

A Leadership Reminder from Bobbie Goheen

Leadership isn’t about where you are; it’s about who you are and how you inspire, influence, and achieve results. Remote work has always been a platform for connection and growth, not a limitation. You have the tools and the opportunity to rise into leadership—right from where you are. Start today by stepping up, speaking out, and seeking opportunities to lead. The path to management is open to you, and your remote position is a strength, not a barrier.You deserve to grow. You deserve to lead. It’s time to make it happen

Continue to develop YOU!

Bobbie Goheen

P.S. Create your perfect chance to lead right now by snagging a copy of The Leader’s Beginners Management Toolkit to guide your journey. Let’s unlock your potential, together!