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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Leading from Anywhere summary
David Burkus
Unlock the Power and Performance of Remote Teams
21 mins
Brief summary
Leading from Anywhere by David Burkus explains how remote work is an opportunity and not a hindrance to leadership. It provides actionable insights on how organizations can adapt to the changing work environment and create a cohesive team culture while working remotely.
Table of Contents
Leading from Anywhere
Summary of 6 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 6
Understanding and shared purpose will hold a remote team together.
Coronavirus unexpectedly swept across the world while most workers were still working in offices. Suddenly, companies everywhere, regardless of industry, scrambled to assemble remote teams.
Many businesses struggled as lockdowns made in-person interactions impossible. But others adapted quickly, turning a challenging situation on its head. Innovative Fitness was one of those businesses. It offered an elite personal training service, which somehow had to transition into virtual workout sessions. Not only did it manage this transition, but it flourished – bringing in more customers than before.
Teams that succeeded, like that at Innovative Fitness, shared two things: a close understanding of what each employee needed to be successful, and a big, company-wide purpose.
Here’s the key message: Understanding and shared purpose will hold a remote team together.
The best teams understand each other’s skills, habits, and remote-working situations inside-out. First, they know what every individual is good at and, taking into account personal preferences, assign responsibilities accordingly. Rather than trying to force people into unsuitable roles, everyone does what each does best.
Second, these teams accommodate each employee's unique work situation. Identifying some of these situations may be easy, like cultural contexts and time zones. But others may not be as obvious, like caring for children and other domestic commitments – even if the team is local. Or the fact that everyone has slightly different routines at home from at the office. Being considerate of other team members makes for more effective remote collaboration.
Along with understanding each team member’s needs, the best teams have a company-wide purpose. This holds the team together and keeps its members motivated, even in the difficult days of a pandemic.
The truth is that most people want to feel like they're contributing to something bigger than simply creating shareholder value. They want to feel like their company is solving a problem or contributing to a wider cause.
So, to create this purpose, ask the ever-important question: What are all of you fighting for? This is what will bring everyone together every day.
Generally, there are three types of fight in this context. There’s the “revolutionary fight,” which is about changing the status quo in the industry or in society. Then there’s the “underdog fight,” which is about taking on big industry names and winning by doing things better. And lastly, there’s the “ally fight,” which is about fighting for your customers and stakeholders.
Whichever it is, this shared mission will make your team stronger.
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What is Leading from Anywhere about?
Leading from Anywhere (2021) is a guide to leading a remote team, covering everything from building a company culture, managing performance, and running virtual meetings to providing feedback to team members. In addition to setting out the best way to manage a team remotely, it makes a strong case for remote work in general.
Leading from Anywhere Review
Leading from Anywhere (2021) by David Burkus offers practical strategies for effective leadership in the remote work era. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It provides actionable insights on how to lead a remote team successfully, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities of distributed work.
- By combining research, interviews, and case studies, the book offers a comprehensive understanding of remote leadership and its impact on productivity and culture.
- With its engaging storytelling and relatable examples, the book keeps readers hooked, making the topic of remote leadership far from boring.
Best quote from Leading from Anywhere
People dont want to join a company; they want to join a crusade.
—David Burkus
Who should read Leading from Anywhere?
- CEOs and team leaders
- Remote workers in dysfunctional organizations
- Anyone interested in setting up a remote business
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Leading from Anywhere FAQs
What is the main message of Leading from Anywhere?
The main message of Leading from Anywhere is that effective leadership can happen from any location.
How long does it take to read Leading from Anywhere?
The reading time for Leading from Anywhere varies based on your reading speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in a matter of minutes.
Is Leading from Anywhere a good book? Is it worth reading?
Leading from Anywhere is a valuable read for those interested in remote leadership. It offers practical insights and strategies for leading teams from a distance.
Who is the author of Leading from Anywhere?
David Burkus is the author of Leading from Anywhere.
What to read after Leading from Anywhere?
If you're wondering what to read next after Leading from Anywhere, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Work Together Anywhere by Lisette Sutherland and Kirsten Janene-Nelson
- How to Thrive in the Virtual Workplace by Robert Glazer with Mick Sloan
- The 3-Minute Rule by Brant Pinvidic
- The First Rule of Mastery by Michael Gervais
- Mindset by Carol Dweck
- Zero Sugar / One Month by Becky Gillaspy
- The Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle
- Give & Get Employer Branding by Bryan Adams and Charlotte Marshall
- Remote, Not Distant by Gustavo Razzetti
- The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma