3 Ways To Be A Successful Remote Worker

As in life, just being present and showing up is most of the battle.

Woody Allen is credited with saying that “80% of life is showing up.”  I have had to remind myself of this in transitioning to remote work.  Just like at an in-person office I have had to set up a routine, devise a morning commute, and face down the imposter in the mirror that likes to show up and tell me I won’t succeed in this new role. 

I just had a greeting interview with the second in command of our department.  Like every single person I have met with my new group- very pleasant, incredibly talented and highly skilled. Then the imposter shows up. “What am I doing here?”  “What could I possibly have to offer?”  “What have I gotten myself into?”

This is where that famous Woody Allen quote comes into play. 

Show up. Log on to be ready for the workday. Get to work on assignments that are rolling in. Take part in meetings. Offer your thoughts and opinion.

You have a lot to offer this group. Remain humble, flexible, and present. Here is the magic of that quote.  80% of this is done by just showing up.  Every day.  Every hour.

3 Ways To Show Up For Remote Work:

1. Get to work early

It’s been a habit of mine to get to work about 10 minutes early since my very first job. It doesn’t work every day- traffic, kids, missed the alarm- you name it- but despite our best efforts it doesn’t always happen. But if most of the time you are you at work, on time, and even a little early, you have already “shown up.”

2. Attend all meetings

There is a temptation in life to do the bare minimum. How much can I get by with not doing. However, with remote work, it’s just you and that office. The rest of your team is online. Meetings, chats, impromptu teams call all can make you a bigger part of the team.

3. Stay until closing

Some jobs are asynchronous and have a schedule dictated by the project and maybe doesn’t have a “clock out” time. But if you do, stay until closing time. Be available to have an end of the day chat or meeting. Answer that last question from a teammate. Be a good closer.