Sheet MetalOct 17, 2023
Max Leibman has moved!
"I can't manage my team effectively when they're all remote!"

–Someone with no clue how to manage their team effectively when they're all in the office



#RemoteWork #management #ReturnToOffice
Oct 16, 2023 at 10:35pmWeb
Show threadXenofact (he/him)Oct 17, 2023

@maxleibman I have been managing semi-remote teams for year.

During the panedmic my teams OVERALL did better.

There's a few flaws here and there, but overall it's better.

Show threadAlaricOct 17, 2023
@maxleibman they could get some tips by studying NASA Apollo 11 mission control
Show threadInterstellar_WindOct 17, 2023
@maxleibman off topic but any tips or reading material links for new managers that want to avoid sucking?
Show threadPalmerOct 17, 2023
@maxleibman What you're saying is they didnt need the qualifying statement of "when they're all remote"
Show threadBeeCycling has movedOct 17, 2023
@maxleibman Or someone who's afraid senior management is going to say 'Huh, this team is getting their work done without this guy looking over their shoulders. What are we paying him for?'
Show threadPrimoOct 28, 2023
@beecycling @maxleibman in the best case they are paying him so he can collate the teams opinions and complaints and hand them over to senior management in an ever so slightly more actionable way or something.
But I don't think swnior management actually likes the idea xD
Show threadSodomy Non SapiensOct 17, 2023
@maxleibman a good manager does not have to manage his team because they will just simply do what is needed. His task is to support them if they need assistance.
Show threadTevruden DawnspearOct 17, 2023
@maxleibman 100% a skill issue.
Show threadFlorian HaasOct 17, 2023

@maxleibman Yes. Recently, @isotopp correctly referred to RTO as a work stoppage by middle management.

See also: https://xahteiwi.eu/blog/2023/10/07/follow-up-follow-through/

Follow-up and follow-through

It comes with the territory.

xahteiwi.eu
Show threadNot a Spring OnionOct 17, 2023

@maxleibman

I can't manage

Show threadRobCorneliusOct 17, 2023
@maxleibman so much this.
Show threadHeiko RuppOct 17, 2023
@maxleibman @isotopp So how do companies with more than one office work? At least some team mates will always be in the „wrong“ office.
Show threadRegister as a surname 🇺🇸Oct 17, 2023

@maxleibman

My son (computer coding / programming) in Nashville TN is supervised by a manager in Charlotte NC - who is ALL virtual. (My son's job is partly-virtual.)

Show threadCees-Jan Kiewiet  Oct 19, 2023
@maxleibman @elazar Sounds like someone doesn't trust their team
Show threadMax Leibman has moved!Oct 19, 2023

@wyri @elazar Yup.

As I’ve observed elsewhere, if you can’t trust your people when they are remote, you don’t actually trust them when they’re in the office, either.

Show threadCees-Jan Kiewiet  Oct 19, 2023
@maxleibman @elazar Literally had a previous boss say: No working from home, want you all where I can see what you are doing.
Show threadMax Leibman has moved!Oct 19, 2023
@wyri I believe it. It’s no accident that most open-plan and cube-farm-style offices have the same desk arrangement—employee facing in, and monitors facing out. Bosses want to be able to see what everyone is up to, and to be able to approach from behind.
Show threadCees-Jan Kiewiet  Oct 19, 2023
@maxleibman Just give me an old skool office with rooms and teams in a room. You still get the same desk set up. But without the boss peeking over your shoulder.
Show threadLuca BartolettiOct 19, 2023
@maxleibman this 100%
Show threadJoshOct 22, 2023
@maxleibman @traecer This is the management version of the joke “doc, will I be able to play the piano after my operation?” but not knowing it’s a joke and asking in exasperated earnestness.
Show threadFlorian HaasOct 29, 2023

@maxleibman On that note:

https://xahteiwi.eu/blog/2023/10/28/remote-office/

Are you working in a remote office?

Does your company try to do everything companies have always done in an office, just with remotees? Not a grand idea.

xahteiwi.eu