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

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...
 
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Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/longdistanceworklife/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2P22kW5iaX8zU3B0-HVCUA
Website: https://longdistanceworklife.com/ 
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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!
 

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

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/

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/ 
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Wayne Turmel engages in a captivating discussion with Jeanna Barrett, the founder and Chief Remote Officer of First Page Strategy. This episode delves into the intricacies of building a successful, fully distributed company. Jeanna shares her journey from the early days of remote work, pre-pandemic, to the current global landscape, offering invaluable insights into effective remote work strategies, the importance of tech-savviness, and the transformational role of project management platforms in remote operations.

Key Takeaways
1. Prioritize Project Management Platforms: Emphasize using project management tools over traditional communication methods like email for better transparency and organization in remote work settings.
2. Adopt a Remote-First Mindset: Understand that remote work is not just working from home; it requires a shift in operations, prioritizing asynchronous communication and reducing unnecessary meetings.
3. Tech Savviness in Remote Teams: Recognize the importance of being comfortable with technology. Successful remote work depends on the team's ability to adapt to and efficiently use various digital tools.
4. Effective Hiring for Remote Culture: Focus on hiring individuals who are not only skilled in their field but also comfortable with remote work and technology. This ensures a smoother integration into remote-first operations.
5. Rethink Meetings and Asynchronous Work: Challenge the norm of scheduling meetings for every discussion. Utilize asynchronous communication methods to enhance productivity and reduce meeting fatigue, allowing for more focused and deep work.
Featured Guest Name: Jeanna Barrett
Bio: Founder of First Page Strategy, a growth agency for product-led brands. Host of the Remotely Cultured podcast. 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeannabarrett/
https://www.firstpagestrategy.com/remotely-cultured
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
01:12 The Genesis of First Page Strategy
03:12 Building a Remote-First Company
04:27 Key Tools for Remote Work
06:36 Overcoming Tech Stumbles
09:43 Hiring for a Remote Culture
14:29 Streamlining Remote Operations
18:22 Best Practices for Async Work

Related Episodes
Remote-First vs. Remote-Friendly Using Technology to Hit Strategic Goals with Abhinav Chugh Designing a Winning Culture for Remote Teams: Insights from the Authors of The Long-Distance Team Attracting and Retaining International Talent with Lona Alia
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!