Trust at a Distance: Leading with Empathy in the Remote Workplace — with Dr. Peggy Kendall

Mission Driven You

Episode Description:

In this episode of Mission Driven You, Will sits down with Dr. Peggy Kendall, a seasoned communication scholar, Fulbright recipient, and professor at Bethel University. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Kendall delves into the evolving dynamics of trust and leadership in our increasingly remote and hybrid work environments.

Drawing insights from her forthcoming book, Trust at a Distance: 6 Strategies for Managing in the Remote Workplace, co-authored with David Horsager, Dr. Kendall shares practical strategies to foster genuine connections, redefine accountability, and build resilient teams—even when miles apart.(Penguin Random House)

Whether you're a leader navigating the challenges of remote management or someone seeking deeper connections in a digital workspace, this conversation offers valuable perspectives and actionable advice.

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

• The six foundational strategies from Trust at a Distance to enhance remote team management.
• How to cultivate psychological safety and trust without physical proximity.
• The pitfalls of "winging it" in virtual leadership and the importance of intentional communication.
• Techniques to measure productivity and engagement beyond traditional metrics.
• The role of empathy and understanding in building cohesive remote teams.(Amazon)

💬 Memorable Quotes:

“Trust isn't about proximity; it's about presence.”

“In the absence of hallway conversations, intentional check-ins become our new watercoolers.”

“Remote work challenges us to lead with clarity, consistency, and compassion.”

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Explore Dr. Peggy Kendall’s work: peggykendall.com
• Pre-order Trust at a Distance: Berrett-Koehler Publishers
• Connect with Dr. Kendall on LinkedIn: Peggy Kendall
• Read about her research on virtual workplaces: Bethel University News(Berrett-Koehler Publishers, LinkedIn, Bethel University)

🧭 Reflection Prompts:

• In what ways can I enhance trust within my remote or hybrid team?
• How do I currently measure team engagement, and what new metrics could provide deeper insights?
• What intentional practices can I adopt to replace spontaneous in-person interactions?

📣 Subscribe & Share:

If this episode resonated with you, consider subscribing to Mission Driven You on your preferred podcast platform. Share this episode with colleagues or friends navigating the remote work landscape—they'll appreciate the insights.

Remember, trust isn't built by chance; it's cultivated with intention.

Mentioned in this episode:

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