101 episodes

The Long-Distance Worklife looks at the way we work in hybrid and remote teams. Each week, we bring you provocative discussions about what it takes to work remotely, master technology, develop your leadership skills, and just plain survive the way we’re expected to work today. We’ll bring you new and exciting voices in the world of hybrid and remote work. In addition to conversations with diverse and unique voices, Wayne and Marisa will take your questions, making us the most relevant source for navigating the Long-Distance Worklife.

Long-Distance Worklife - A Hybrid & Remote Work Podcast The Kevin Eikenberry Group

    • Business
    • 5.0 • 9 Ratings

The Long-Distance Worklife looks at the way we work in hybrid and remote teams. Each week, we bring you provocative discussions about what it takes to work remotely, master technology, develop your leadership skills, and just plain survive the way we’re expected to work today. We’ll bring you new and exciting voices in the world of hybrid and remote work. In addition to conversations with diverse and unique voices, Wayne and Marisa will take your questions, making us the most relevant source for navigating the Long-Distance Worklife.

    Project Management Unplugged: Kory Kogon on Leading Without Limits

    Project Management Unplugged: Kory Kogon on Leading Without Limits

    Wayne Turmel sits down with Kory Kogon, co-author of "Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager" and VP of Content Development at Franklin Covey. They delve into the vital skills and strategies needed for effective project management, particularly in remote and hybrid work environments. Whether you're organizing dinner or a high-profile event, Kory discusses the universal principles of project management and the critical role of informal authority and people skills in achieving project success.
    Key Takeaways
    1. Recognize the Scope of Project Management: Understand that project management skills apply to both small daily tasks and large-scale operations, and can enhance productivity in both personal and professional settings.
    2. Embrace Informal Authority: Develop skills to manage teams effectively without formal authority. This includes building trust, demonstrating respect, and ensuring clear communication.
    3. Utilize Simple Tools: Start with basic tools like Excel for project management to maintain visibility and coordination. Don’t be intimidated by complex software; focus on tools that help clarify and track project progress.
    4. Focus on People Management: Acknowledge that the success of a project largely depends on the people involved. Practice leadership skills such as setting clear expectations, listening actively, and extending trust to empower your team.
    5. Adapt to Remote and Hybrid Environments: Leverage technology to create a visual dashboard for your projects, ensuring that every team member understands their roles and responsibilities, regardless of their physical location.
    Timestamps
    00:00 Introduction
    01:37 The Evolution of Project Roles
    04:37 Core Project Management Skills
    07:06 Leadership Without Authority
    11:06 Adapting to Remote Environments
    14:55 Practical Tools for Beginners
    17:33 Advice for New Project Leaders
    20:20 Conclusion
    Related Episodes
    Managers Are the Heart of an Organization How Technology Is Changing Human Capital Management with Scott Lyons Beyond the Office Walls: Mastering Remote Work with Jeanna Barrett Being an Emotionally Strong Leader with Carolyn Stern
    Additional Resources
    Learn more about Wayne Turmel Email Wayne Turmel Connect with Wayne Turmel on LinkedIn Purchase a copy of The Long-Distance Leader Purchase a copy of The Long-Distance Teammate Purchase a copy of The Long-Distance Team The Kevin Eikenberry Group Subscribe to Long-Distance Worklife wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review!
    Connect with us:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/longdistanceworklife/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2P22kW5iaX8zU3B0-HVCUA
    Website: https://longdistanceworklife.com/ 
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@longdistanceworklife 
     
    Join us for a powerful, 4-part video series titled, Demystifying Remote Leadership. You will learn how to create solid working relationships in a virtual team with more confidence and less stress! Sign up: https://longdistanceworklife.com/video
     
    Want us to answer one of your questions? Contact Us!
     

    • 22 min
    Press Start on SoWork: How Gamers are Influencing the Future of Remote Work

    Press Start on SoWork: How Gamers are Influencing the Future of Remote Work

    Marisa dives into the virtual office platform SoWork, designed for immersive remote work experiences. With a mix of humor and insightful observations, Wayne and Marisa discuss the generational divides in adopting such technology and explore its unique features, from customizable avatars to proximity chats that mimic walking by someone's desk. Tune in to hear Marisa’s firsthand experiences, including decorating virtual offices for birthdays and the practical uses of these virtual spaces in remote work settings.
    Key Takeaways
    1. Experiment with Virtual Spaces: Consider how platforms like SoWork can enhance team interaction and cultural connection in your remote or hybrid teams.
    2. Embrace Customization: Use customization features to make virtual offices more personal and engaging for team members.
    3. Explore Hybrid Work Tools: For those managing hybrid teams, explore tools that bridge the gap between physical and virtual presence to maintain team cohesion.
    4. Celebrate Virtually: Look for creative ways to celebrate team milestones and personal events to foster a sense of community and belonging, even remotely.
    Timestamps
    00:00 Introduction
    02:40 Exploring SoWork
    06:05 Customization and Interaction
    09:29 Hybrid Work Integration
    16:07 Cultural Touches and Virtual Celebrations
    18:36 Conclusion

    Related Episodes
    Do We Really Need More Webmeeting Tools? with Hoyin Cheung The Great Escape: Innovating Remote Team Building with Escape Rooms with Madeline Purches Keeping Teams Engaged in the Digital Age with Vivek Nigam The Gen Z Effect and the Future of Work: Insights from Dan Keldsen
    Additional Resources
    SoWork Remo Other Virtual Office Platforms GodSquad Church - World's First Church for Gamers Long-Distance Leadership Series Learn more about Wayne Turmel Email Wayne Turmel Connect with Wayne Turmel on LinkedIn Learn more about Marisa Eikenberry Email Marisa Eikenberry Connect with Marisa Eikenberry on LinkedIn Purchase a copy of The Long-Distance Leader Purchase a copy of The Long-Distance Teammate Purchase a copy of The Long-Distance Team The Kevin Eikenberry Group Your Hosts Wayne Turmel: Master Trainer and Coach for The Kevin Eikenberry Group, co-author of The Long-Distance Leader: Rules for Remarkable Remote Leadership and The Long-Distance Teammate: Stay Engaged and Connected While Working Anywhere, and trainer of remote teams for over twenty years. Read More...



     Marisa Eikenberry: Web developer, podcast editor, and technology support specialist for The Kevin Eikenberry Group. Has worked on a hybrid team for over 9 years. Read more...
     
    Subscribe to Long-Distance Worklife wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review!
    Connect with us:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/longdistanceworklife/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2P22kW5iaX8zU3B0-HVCUA
    Website: https://longdistanceworklife.com/ 
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@longdistanceworklife 
     
    Want us to answer one of your questions? Contact Us!
     

    • 20 min
    Weasel-Proofing Your Work: Navigating Digital Transformation in a Remote World with Jay Goldman

    Weasel-Proofing Your Work: Navigating Digital Transformation in a Remote World with Jay Goldman

    Wayne Turmel dives into the intricacies of digital transformation in remote and hybrid work environments. Joined by Jay Goldman from Sensei Labs, co-author of "The Decoded Company," they explore how companies can embrace change, optimize operational excellence, and tackle the challenges of digital adoption. Listen in for an enlightening conversation about leveraging technology, managing change, and enhancing team collaboration in a virtual workspace.

    Key Takeaways
    1. Embrace a mindset of constant transformation: Understand that digital transformation is not a one-time project but an ongoing process.
    2. Develop digital proprioception: Familiarize yourself with new tools and data to navigate digital environments more effectively.
    3. Start small with transformation initiatives: Focus on achievable goals within your team before tackling larger-scale transformations.
    Timestamps
    00:00 Introduction
    01:06 Understanding Digital Transformation
    03:02 Data, Process, and Human Impact
    04:57 Navigating Digital Transformation
    13:45 Proprioception in Digital Contexts
    19:31 Practical Approaches to Digital Transformation
    22:27 Conclusion
    Related Episodes
    Technology and Trust: Key Pillars of Remote Work with Terry Isner How Technology Is Changing Human Capital Management with Scott Lyons Using Technology to Hit Strategic Goals with Abhinav Chugh
    Additional Resources
    Learn more about Wayne Turmel Email Wayne Turmel Connect with Wayne Turmel on LinkedIn Purchase a copy of The Long-Distance Leader Purchase a copy of The Long-Distance Teammate Purchase a copy of The Long-Distance Team The Kevin Eikenberry Group Subscribe to Long-Distance Worklife wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review!
    Connect with us:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/longdistanceworklife/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2P22kW5iaX8zU3B0-HVCUA
    Website: https://longdistanceworklife.com/ 
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@longdistanceworklife 
      Join us for a powerful, 4-part video series titled, Demystifying Remote Leadership. You will learn how to create solid working relationships in a virtual team with more confidence and less stress! Sign up: https://longdistanceworklife.com/video
      Want us to answer one of your questions? Contact Us!
     

    • 23 min
    Digital Decorum: Navigating the Do’s and Don’ts of Online Meetings

    Digital Decorum: Navigating the Do’s and Don’ts of Online Meetings

    Join us on the Long-Distance Worklife Podcast as we dive into the quirky and often unspoken rules of virtual meeting behaviors. This episode isn't about mute buttons or camera angles; it's about the nitty-gritty of what happens on camera - from fashion choices like donning hats to the presence of pets and snack etiquette. We explore whether sipping coffee or munching during a meeting is a faux pas or just fine. With a blend of humor and practical advice, we dissect these everyday scenarios to help you navigate the dos and don’ts of digital professionalism. Tune in for a lively discussion that promises to add a new perspective to your next online meeting!

    Key Takeaways
    1. Consider Your Headwear: Before joining a virtual meeting, think about the message your choice of hat or headwear sends. Is it aligned with the meeting's tone and formality?
    2. Pet Policy: Decide if having your pet in view during the meeting is appropriate. Consider the nature of the meeting and if your furry friend might be a distraction or a delightful icebreaker.
    3. Mindful Eating: If you need to eat during a meeting, assess the context. For formal or short meetings, it’s best to wait. In longer or casual settings, keep it unobtrusive and tidy.
    4. Discreet Drinking: Having a beverage? Stick to non-alcoholic options and keep it professional. A simple mug or a water bottle is usually fine, but avoid anything that might cause distraction.
    5. Background Check: Take a moment to evaluate your surroundings. Ensure your background is tidy and professional, reflecting the image you want to project in the meeting.
    6. Tech Check: Before the meeting starts, test your tech! Ensure your internet is stable and familiarize yourself with the meeting platform’s features to avoid any technical hiccups.
    7. Engage Actively: Plan to participate actively in the meeting. Think about points you want to raise or questions you might ask to show your engagement and interest.
    Timestamps
    00:00 Introduction
    01:30 Hat Etiquette
    04:20 Pets in the Picture
    07:15 Eating on Camera
    10:05 Drinking Beverages
    13:50 Background and Environment
    17:40 Technical Preparedness
    19:45 Generational Differences
    21:30 Meeting Participation
    24:50 Conclusion

    Related Episodes
    Mastering Meetings: Building Great Teams in Remote Work with Rich Maltzman Remote Work Rants: Meeting Cancellations and Time Zone Troubles Do Virtual Meetings Kill Creativity with Elise Keith Do We Really Need More Webmeeting Tools? with Hoyin Cheung How to Be Productive in Multigenerational Teams
    Additional Resources
    Long-Distance Leadership Series YouGov Study Learn more about Wayne Turmel Email Wayne Turmel Connect with Wayne Turmel on LinkedIn Learn more about Marisa Eikenberry Email Marisa Eikenberry Connect with Marisa Eikenberry on LinkedIn Purchase a copy of The Long-Distance Leader Purchase a copy of The Long-Distance Teammate Purchase a copy of The Long-Distance Team The Kevin Eikenberry Group Your Hosts Wayne Turmel: Master Trainer and Coach for The Kevin Eikenberry Group, co-author of The Long-Distance Leader: Rules for Remarkable Remote Leadership and The Long-Distance Teammate: Stay Engaged and Connected While Working Anywhere, and trainer of remote teams for over twenty years. Read More...



     Marisa Eikenberry: Web developer, podcast editor, and technology support specialist for The Kevin Eikenberry Group. Has worked on a hybrid team for over 9 years. Read more...
     
    Subscribe to Long-Distance Worklife wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review!
    Connect with us:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/longdistanceworklife/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2P22kW5iaX8zU3B0-HVCUA
    Website: https://longdistanceworklife.com/ 
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@longdistanceworklife 
     
    Join us for a powerful, 4-part video series titled, Demys

    • 24 min
    Deciphering the Dynamics of Hybrid Work with Henry O’Loughlin

    Deciphering the Dynamics of Hybrid Work with Henry O’Loughlin

    Wayne Turmel engages with Henry O'Loughlin from Buildremote, delving into the nuanced world of remote and hybrid work. Henry, with his rich experience in managing a fully remote marketing agency, brings to the table a treasure trove of learnings and reflections on what it really takes to operate successfully in a remote setup. From redefining communication norms on Slack to addressing the misconceptions about remote work, this episode is a deep dive into the transformational journey of workplace dynamics. The discussion pivots around the intriguing concept of 'peak hybrid' and explores the trajectory of remote work in the future, including its impact on talent pool expansion and office space utilization. 

    Key Takeaways
    1. Embrace the Learning Curve in Remote Work: Reflect on your own remote work practices and be open to evolving them through trial and error, just as Henry did with his marketing agency.
    2. Evaluate Your Communication Tools: Assess how your team uses communication tools like Slack. Set clear guidelines to ensure these tools support, rather than dictate, your work culture.
    3. Consider the Benefits of a Fully Remote Team: Think about expanding your team beyond geographic boundaries to tap into a wider talent pool, enhancing diversity and skill availability.
    4. Reevaluate Your Need for Physical Office Space: If you're in a leadership position, consider the necessity and efficiency of your current office space in light of increased remote work trends.
    5. Plan for a Future with More Remote Work: Strategize for a work environment where remote work might become the norm. Consider how this shift could affect your business model, team dynamics, and operational strategies.
    6. Understand the Hybrid Work Model as a Transitional Phase: Recognize that the current hybrid work model may be a stepping stone towards more flexible work arrangements. Use this understanding to guide your long-term planning and policy development.
    7. Stay Informed on Evolving Work Trends: Regularly update yourself on trends and best practices in remote and hybrid work to ensure your strategies remain relevant and effective.
    Featured Guest Name: Henry O'Loughlin
    About: Founder at Buildremote. Helps teams implement the Remote Operating System, which is a system he's built to maximize productivity, employee happiness, and profit for distributed teams. 
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/henryoloughlin/
    https://buildremote.co/
    Timestamps
    00:00 Introduction
    01:09 The Evolution of Remote Work
    02:25 Challenges in Transitioning to Remote Work
    04:14 Redefining Communication
    06:21 Hybrid Work: A Middle Ground or a Compromise?
    10:03 Remote Work: Reshaping Talent Pool and Office Dynamics
    17:29 The Future of Work: Office, Remote, or Hybrid?
    19:17 Conclusion

    Related Episodes
    Solving the Challenges of Hybrid Teams with AI Technology with Projjal (PJ) Ghatak How to Make Hybrid Offices Work with Stan Meshkov Maximizing Remote and Hybrid Planning Meetings Crucial Conversations: Navigating Communication Boundaries in the New Age of Remote Work
    Additional Resources
    Learn more about Wayne Turmel Email Wayne Turmel Connect with Wayne Turmel on LinkedIn Purchase a copy of The Long-Distance Leader Purchase a copy of The Long-Distance Teammate Purchase a copy of The Long-Distance Team The Kevin Eikenberry Group Join us for a powerful, 4-part video series titled, Demystifying Remote Leadership. You will learn how to create solid working relationships in a virtual team with more confidence and less stress! Sign up: https://longdistanceworklife.com/video
     
    Subscribe to Long-Distance Worklife wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review!
    Connect with us:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/longdistanceworklife/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2P22kW5iaX8zU3B0-HVCUA
    Website: https://longdistanceworklife.com/

    • 21 min
    Embracing the Johari Window for Team Success [Repost]

    Embracing the Johari Window for Team Success [Repost]

    In this week's episode, Marisa and Wayne revisit a topic mentioned in a previous episode about the Johari Window. They explore how this powerful model, developed by psychologists in 1955, can enhance communication and understanding within remote and hybrid teams. Discover the four quadrants of the Johari Window and how they reveal what is known and unknown to oneself and others. Learn why transparent and intentional communication is crucial in remote work settings, as cues and non-verbal signals are often missed. Discover practical tips and best practices for leaders to utilize the Johari Window framework to improve team dynamics and foster trust. Join us for this engaging conversation as we unlock the potential of the Johari Window for remote work success!

    Key Takeaways
    1. The Johari Window is a powerful model that helps explain the dynamics of understanding and communication. It consists of four quadrants representing what is known to oneself, known to others, unknown to oneself, and unknown to others.
    2. Effective communication is vital in remote and hybrid team environments. Without the ability to rely on non-verbal cues or in-person interactions, intentional and transparent communication becomes even more critical for understanding and avoiding misunderstandings.
    3. The Johari Window can be used as a tool to foster trust and improve relationships within remote teams. By sharing knowledge, motivations, and information with team members, individuals can reduce blind spots and increase mutual understanding.
    4. Leaders play a crucial role in improving communication and utilizing the Johari Window effectively. They should encourage open dialogue, ask clarifying questions, and create a transparent environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, feelings, and concerns.
    5. In remote work settings, it's essential to pay attention to changing behaviors or signs that something may be off with team members. Remote work can make it harder to notice when someone is struggling or facing challenges, so being attuned to these changes and initiating supportive conversations is crucial.

    Time Stamps
    00:00 Introduction
    00:08 Defining the Johari Window
    00:33 Understanding Remote Application
    02:13 Importance of Communication
    05:00 Applying the Johari Window to Remote Work
    05:29 Recognizing Communication Challenges
    10:22 Using the Johari Window Framework
    11:18 Drawbacks and Trust
    12:56 Best Practices for Leaders
    15:08 Closing

    Related Episodes
    Managers Are the Heart of an Organization How to Spot and Combat Burnout When You Work Remotely Crucial Conversations: Navigating Communication Boundaries in the New Age of Remote Work Additional Resources
    The Johari Window Learn more about Wayne Turmel Email Wayne Turmel Connect with Wayne Turmel on LinkedIn Learn more about Marisa Eikenberry Email Marisa Eikenberry Connect with Marisa Eikenberry on LinkedIn Purchase a copy of The Long-Distance Leader Purchase a copy of The Long-Distance Teammate Purchase a copy of The Long-Distance Team The Kevin Eikenberry Group Order The Long-Distance Team
    Remote leadership experts, Kevin Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel, help leaders navigate the new world of remote and hybrid teams to design the culture they desire for their teams and organizations in their new book! https://longdistanceteambook.com/ 
    Want us to answer one of your questions? Contact Us!

    • 18 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
9 Ratings

9 Ratings

Lifestyle Creep ,

New way of working!

Glad I found this podcast! Work has changed for many since the pandemic. The hosts cover a lot of relevant topics and offer their fresh take on how work is changing and how employees can manage their careers during these dynamic times. Recommend you follow if you have questions on managing your career and how to stay ahead!

Maya Acosta- Health Lifestyle ,

Tools for Hybrid Workspaces

Thank you Wayne and Marisa for sharing tips on working remotely. I think this is very useful for many people who continue to be in hybrid working spaces. This also helps with overall teamwork.

emjay217 ,

Informational and Timely for Remote Workers and Managers

This podcast is so timely as many companies are now remote-first. But the best part of this show is the conversations between the hosts and the guests. I like that it feels like a casual conversation with essential takeaways. My favorite episodes are when Marisa joins Wayne on the mic to chat about topics facing remote workers and work life.

I highly recommend Long-Distance Worklife to people that work hybrid and remote jobs or manage remote workers.

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