The Long-Distance Leader

A practical guide for managers who lead remote or hybrid teams. Eikenberry and Turmel argue that the fundamentals of good leadership do not change when your team is distributed. What changes is how you apply those fundamentals through technology and intentional communication. The book offers nineteen rules built around the authors’ Remote Leadership Model, covering everything from running effective virtual meetings to building trust without in-person interaction.

Why Start Here

This is the foundational book in Eikenberry and Turmel’s remote leadership series, and it covers the broadest ground. The Long-Distance Teammate and The Long-Distance Team build on concepts introduced here, so starting with The Long-Distance Leader gives you the framework that makes the later books more useful. It is also the most widely applicable: whether you manage two remote employees or two hundred, the nineteen rules provide a solid foundation.

The book is especially strong on the mindset shift required to lead at a distance. Many managers default to micromanagement when they cannot see their team, or they swing to the opposite extreme and disengage entirely. Eikenberry and Turmel chart a middle path: engaged leadership that trusts people while maintaining accountability.

What to Expect

A concise, practical read at 192 pages. Each rule is self-contained with reflection questions and concrete suggestions. The writing is straightforward and aimed at busy managers who need answers, not theory. You can read it cover to cover or jump to the rules most relevant to your current challenges. A good desk reference to keep nearby as new situations arise.