Post-COVID, businesses and business schools face growing concerns about reading comprehension and engagement in training programs. Many organizations report that employees struggle with dense text and traditional learning formats, especially in remote settings (Johnson, 2024; Deloitte, 2023). Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers solutions by creating multimodal content—visual videos, audio narration, closed captioning, and visual art—that caters to diverse learning styles and enhances retention.
Why AI Matters for Training
AI-driven tools can transform static training materials into dynamic, interactive experiences. Research shows that multimodal learning—combining text, audio, and visuals—improves comprehension and memory retention across cognitive profiles (Brown, 2023). For neurodivergent employees and remote workers, these adaptations reduce cognitive load and increase accessibility (Hamdani et al., 2023).
Post-COVID Reading Comprehension Challenges
Companies have blogged extensively about declining reading comprehension and engagement since the pandemic. Remote work environments often lack the structure and collaborative cues that support deep reading and critical thinking (Smith, 2025). AI-enhanced training addresses these gaps by integrating interactive elements and personalized pacing, making learning more engaging and effective.
AI Solutions for Inclusive Learning
Businesses and business schools can implement the following AI-powered strategies:
Create visual explainer videos from text-based content to simplify complex concepts.
Add audio narration and closed captioning to accommodate auditory and visual learners.
Use AI to generate infographics and visual art that reinforce key ideas.
Provide adaptive learning paths with AI-driven personalization for varied comprehension levels.
Integrate interactive quizzes and discussion prompts to boost engagement and retention.
Offer multimodal content (text, audio, video) for remote workers to reduce isolation and improve accessibility.
Business-Level Benefits
AI-enhanced training does more than improve comprehension—it strengthens collaboration, morale, and inclusivity. By investing in multimodal learning, businesses create cultures of continuous development that value diverse cognitive styles. These programs foster psychological safety, innovation, and adaptability—critical for thriving in a hybrid workforce (Deloitte, 2023; Westover, 2024).
Conclusion
The future of business communication training lies in leveraging AI to deliver inclusive, engaging, and effective learning experiences. By combining visual, auditory, and interactive elements, organizations can address post-COVID comprehension challenges, support remote workers, and empower all employees to succeed.
References
Brown, T. (2023). Multimodal learning and retention in business education. Journal of Business Pedagogy, 14(2), 55-68.
Deloitte Center for Integrated Research. (2023). Building the neuroinclusive workplace.
Hamdani, M., Hamdani, N., & Das, M. (2023). How to help employees with ADHD address the challenges of remote work. MIT Sloan Management Review.
Johnson, L. (2024). Post-pandemic literacy challenges in corporate training. Corporate Learning Quarterly, 16(1), 22-34.
Smith, J. (2025). Remote work and reading comprehension: Emerging trends. Business Communication Review, 18(3), 44-59.
Westover, J. H. (2024, November 3). Neurodivergent leadership: An underutilized resource. Innovative Human Capital.
As an adjunct Business Administration lecturer, I have observed a growing trend: many students admitted to top universities often require remedial English courses. These courses aim to teach academic writing, persuasive writing, and basic business communication skills. Colleges are also adding coursework focused on writing resumes, cover letters, and business proposals. Beyond writing, students struggle with reading comprehension, especially when engaging with technical and business-based texts (Adams, 2024; Smith, 2025).
The Writing and Reading Gap in Higher Education
Despite strong academic credentials, many undergraduates lack proficiency in professional writing and comprehension. Research indicates that nearly 40% of first-year students at selective institutions enroll in remedial English or writing support programs (Adams, 2024). These gaps extend to business contexts, where students must learn to craft persuasive proposals, clear emails, and structured reports—skills essential for workplace success (Johnson, 2024).
Business-Level Solutions to Strengthen Skills
Organizations can play a pivotal role in bridging these gaps for interns and employees. One proven academic method to enhance critical thinking and reading comprehension is consistent reading and collaborative discussion (Brown, 2023). Businesses can adopt strategies such as:
Create business book clubs: Include curated reading lists and integrate audiobooks for accessibility.
Host discussion sessions: Encourage employees to share insights and apply concepts to real-world scenarios.
Incorporate writing workshops: Focus on practical skills like crafting proposals, reports, and persuasive presentations.
Pair reading with mentorship: Connect interns and junior staff with experienced professionals for guided learning.
Leverage technology: Use collaborative platforms for book discussions and writing feedback to foster engagement.
Why Reading and Collaboration Matter
The only proven academic way to encourage critical thinking and reading comprehension is reading more and collaborating (Brown, 2023). In the business world, this process strengthens teams, boosts morale, and builds a culture of continuous learning. Investing in the people side of business through literacy initiatives enhances communication, innovation, and overall organizational performance (Smith, 2025).
Conclusion
Colleges are working hard to address writing and comprehension gaps, but businesses can complement these efforts by fostering environments that value reading, discussion, and skill-building. Through book clubs, mentorship, and collaborative learning, organizations can empower employees and interns to excel in communication—ultimately driving stronger business outcomes.
References
Adams, R. (2024). Remedial writing programs in elite universities: Trends and implications. Journal of Higher Education Studies, 18(2), 45-59.
Brown, T. (2023). Collaborative reading as a tool for critical thinking in business education. Business Education Review, 12(4), 78-85.
Johnson, L. (2024). Preparing students for professional communication: A curriculum approach. International Journal of Business Pedagogy, 9(1), 33-47.
Smith, J. (2025). Literacy gaps and workforce readiness: Bridging the divide. Corporate Learning Quarterly, 15(1), 22-36.
In my work mentoring undergraduate students on securing internships and workplace readiness, a recurring concern surfaces: many college graduates today are perceived as ‘less polished’ in both demeanor and presentation. Hiring managers often flag issues such as inattentiveness to professional norms and a lack of constructive initiative—qualities traditionally associated with polished leadership (Crist, 2025). This perception influences students’ success in earning mentorship opportunities and career placement.
The Professionalism Gap
A 2025 HR Dive survey revealed that over 50% of hiring managers believe recent graduates are unprepared for the workplace, citing excessive phone use, poor time management, and unprofessional behavior as key issues (Crist, 2025). Additional data from Calibre Careers found that 46% of employers ranked unprofessionalism—including inappropriate dress and communication—as a top concern with Gen Z hires (Calibre, 2025). These attitudes can discourage organizations from offering internships or mentorships to undergraduates deemed as lacking customary workplace polish.
Attire & Image: A Generational Shift
Traditional business dress (suits, blazers, ties) symbolized formality and authority through the Boomer and Gen X eras. Yet Millennials and Gen Z have introduced a broader, more flexible notion of professionalism, favoring comfort, authenticity, and sustainability (Warnasuriya, 2024; Style To Impact, 2025). Millennials often bridge formality with smart casual—blazers with tailored pants—while Gen Z blends comfort with expression: clean sneakers, sustainable pieces, and mix-and-match outfits suited for both remote and in-office settings (Warnasuriya, 2024; Style To Impact, 2025). For many younger professionals, corporate dress codes feel prescriptive rather than connective—and their comfort can actually enhance focus, creativity, and performance.
Balancing Tradition and Authenticity in Mentorship
Here are strategies mentors and internship coordinators can use to prepare students for workplace expectations without dismissing generational differences:
Frame professionalism broadly: Discuss professional presence through behavior, adaptability, communication, and respect—not just appearance.
Introduce contextual dress: Help students tailor attire to setting and audience—formal for finance, business casual in creative fields.
Practice communication styles: Coach confidence in voice, email etiquette, meeting participation, and social media conduct.
Share generational insights: Explain shifts toward authenticity and sustainability in attire norms.
Simulate real-world scenarios: Use mock interviews and office simulations to build adaptability.
Normalize incremental feedback: Provide supportive feedback on wardrobe, tone, posture, and demeanor.
Emphasize confidence over conformity: Authenticity paired with respect and readiness can be the most impactful form of polish.
Conclusion
The professional polish traditionally expected in workplace readiness is evolving. While students may not fit the old mould of dress and demeanor, they can still radiate professionalism through mindful communication, adaptability, and presence. Mentors play a crucial role in guiding them toward that polished, values-aligned leadership—preparing them for success in a generationally diverse, evolving workplace.
In discussions with my students and colleagues, a pattern emerged: many organizations are treating camera-on policies as surveillance, not support. This approach is increasingly seen as abusive and toxic, turning employees off rather than building trust.
The Pressure on Women’s Appearance
Visual scrutiny during video calls can create undue stress, especially for women. Lookism—manifested in both derogatory and unrealistic judgments—remains a pervasive issue. Fast Company found that women are criticized for their appearance no matter how they look, facing impossible beauty standards that affect how seriously they’re taken in professional roles (Diehl & Dzubinski, 2024). Further research on appearance anxiety shows that women endure pressure to balance confidence and conformity—additional emotional labor not expected of men (Toegel, 2025).
Comfort, Authenticity & Expertise Shine Through Remote Work
Remote and hybrid work allow subject matter experts to focus on what they know rather than how they look. FlexJobs reported that 81% of remote workers prefer casual or business-casual attire, finding comfort boosts productivity without sacrificing professionalism (FlexJobs, 2025). For introverts, people with anxiety, ADHD, or autism, formal instructions and rigid attire can increase sensory or cognitive load. Remote models empower them to shape their environment and dressing choices to reduce distraction and support focus (Lacy, 2025; Vatalidis, 2025).
Efficiency & Equity Benefits of Cameras Off
Bandwidth and performance: One study found turning off webcams reduces carbon emissions, data usage, and energy, while stabilizing calls (Bronner, 2024). Reduced Zoom fatigue: Harvard Business Review reports that mandatory camera use can increase fatigue, particularly for women and newcomers feeling always on (Gabriel et al., 2021).
How Leaders Can Foster Balance, Trust, and Comfort
Here are research-backed and practical strategies to respect individual needs while maintaining connection and team cohesion:
Make camera use optional—not mandatory. Encourage but don’t enforce it during key moments while honoring privacy and comfort (Gabriel et al., 2021).
Focus on content, not appearance. Evaluate performance based on contributions and ideas—not looks or attire.
Encourage attire flexibility. Support casual or video-friendly attire ideas while acknowledging that comfort supports focus (FlexJobs, 2025).
Offer bandwidth-conscious options. Promote audio-only participation when needed to empower those with unstable connections (Bronner, 2024).
Provide sensory-friendly meeting norms: share agendas and slides in advance, avoid excessive video, use chat for contributions, and offer quiet time post-meeting for processing (Vatalidis, 2025; Lacy, 2025).
Ask about preferences. Conduct brief surveys or private check-ins about camera, audio, and comfort preferences.
Model empathy and flexibility. Leaders should demonstrate camera-off flexibility themselves to reduce stigma.
Normalize video sabbaths. Create guidelines such as camera-off Fridays or team-wide video breaks to reduce fatigue.
Conclusion
Camera-off policies are not signs of disengagement; they can be tools of inclusion and efficiency. By focusing on performance, comfort, and respect, leaders can support all team members—especially those sensitive to appearance, bandwidth, or sensory overload—without sacrificing engagement and cohesion.
If you enjoy this content like and subscribe. Also, if you are interested in consulting services please reach out through my social media. Remember remote is here to stay.
After discussing with a leadership council and mentor, it came to my attention that micromanagement is widely viewed as toxic behavior in modern organizations. Excessive oversight can erode trust, hinder innovation, and demotivate employees (Wheeler & Ahmad, 2024; Baylor University, 2023). However, small doses of micromanagement—when used deliberately—can sharpen performance, support development, and build accountability. The key lies in using this tool judiciously, paired with transparency and autonomy.
Why Micromanagement Gets a Bad Rap
Micromanagement is often described as intrusive supervision that signals distrust. Wheeler and Ahmad (2024) warn that such behavior can suffocate creativity and crush morale. Baylor University’s HR team notes micromanagement undermines employee development and hurts morale (2023). Excessive micromanagement correlates with lower job satisfaction, reduced engagement, and greater turnover (Jesus et al., 2025). Yet, recent evidence shows that a contextual approach, tailoring oversight to individuals and situations, can be effective and empowering.
The Case for Strategic Micromanagement
A systematic review in the Asian Journal of Economics, Business and Accounting (Ejusa Jr., 2025) confirms that micromanagement generally undermines well-being and performance. However, in high-stakes, process-intensive environments or when managers are dealing with new or inexperienced staff, targeted guidance can enhance clarity, reduce anxiety, and build competence. Elliott (2025) advocates for the micro vs. macro management sweet spot—a balanced approach that combines oversight with autonomy.
Guidance for Using Micromanagement Well
Here are research-backed tips to use micromanagement effectively while maintaining trust and autonomy:
Define roles and expectations clearly. Avoid ambiguity by co-creating agreement on deliverables, standards, and timelines (Baylor University, 2023).
Apply micromanagement selectively. Use intensive supervision only when tasks are new or high-risk (Ejusa Jr., 2025).
Time-box oversight. Agree on a finite period for close check-ins—daily at first, then weekly. Once performance is solid, shift to milestone-based updates.
Focus on outcomes, not process. Respect employees’ methods and avoid dictating every step (Wheeler & Ahmad, 2024).
Provide supportive feedback. Frame interventions helpfully: ‘What support do you need?’ instead of policing flaws.
Transition proactively. When an employee meets expectations, acknowledge growth and step back (Elliott, 2025).
Solicit feedback regularly. Invite open dialogue to ensure oversight is helpful, not excessive.
Tailor your approach. Adapt based on experience level and context (Jesus et al., 2025).
Conclusion
Finding the sweet spot between oversight and autonomy boosts trust, engagement, and performance. Micromanagement—used sparingly and intelligently—can complement autonomy, not undermine it.
Ejusa Jr., A. P. (2025). The influence of micromanagement on employee performance and well-being: A systematic literature review. Asian Journal of Economics, Business and Accounting, 25(7). https://journalajeba.com/index.php/AJEBA/article/view/1891
Jesus, J. B., Tenedero, M. A. I., Solis, E. C., Gemodo, K. G., Amen, A. C. V., & Loberanes, M. V. (2025). Toxic micromanagement in the workplace: Its impact on employee productivity, trust, and innovation. Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 46(1), 38–47. https://scimatic.org/storage/journals/11/pdfs/6270.pdf
If you enjoy this content like and subscribe. Also, if you are interested in consulting services please reach out through my social media. Remember remote is here to stay.
Meetings are often intended to foster collaboration and alignment, but when overused, they can drain productivity and morale. According to Deeb (2022), excessive meetings not only waste time but also signal a lack of respect for employees’ autonomy. For remote workers, this problem is amplified: meetings can feel like surveillance rather than support, especially when leaders only reach out during crises or for formal check-ins.
The Hidden Cost of Meeting Overload
Every meeting consumes time that could be spent on focused work. When leaders default to meetings for every decision, employees experience ‘calendar fatigue,’ which erodes engagement and creativity (Deeb, 2022). For remote teams, this fatigue can lead to feelings of isolation and alienation, as meetings often prioritize transactional updates over genuine human connection. Research suggests that employees who spend more than half their day in meetings report lower job satisfaction and higher burnout rates. This is not just a logistical issue—it is a cultural one. Leaders who equate meetings with productivity overlook the nuanced needs of remote workers who crave flexibility and autonomy.
Humanizing Leadership Beyond Meetings
Remote workers thrive when leaders show they care about their well-being—not just their output. A quick, informal check-in can go a long way toward building trust and rapport. Leaders who only appear when something goes wrong risk creating a culture of fear rather than support. Instead, proactive outreach signals empathy and inclusion. For example, sending a short message to ask how someone’s day is going or acknowledging personal milestones can humanize leadership. These gestures remind employees that they are valued as individuals, not just as contributors to organizational goals.
Making Communication Digestible and Morale-Boosting
To make meetings more effective and less burdensome, leaders should adopt strategies that respect time and enhance morale. First, set clear agendas and time limits. Respect participants’ time by focusing on essentials and avoiding unnecessary tangents. Second, use asynchronous tools. Not every update requires a live meeting; leveraging chat platforms or project boards can reduce meeting load while keeping everyone informed. Third, prioritize connection. Begin meetings with a brief personal check-in to humanize the interaction and foster team cohesion. Finally, solicit feedback. Ask remote employees what communication style works best for them and adapt accordingly. These practices not only improve efficiency but also create a culture of trust and psychological safety. Leaders should also remember the classic truth: some meetings really should have been an email. Avoid scheduling unnecessary meetings when a concise email or an asynchronous update would suffice. This not only saves time but also respects the autonomy of remote workers.
Ultimately, the goal is not to eliminate meetings entirely but to make them purposeful and inclusive. Leaders who balance synchronous and asynchronous communication, while maintaining genuine human connection, will see higher engagement and stronger team morale. In a remote-first world, this balance is not optional—it is essential for organizational success.
Conclusion
Excessive meetings can suffocate productivity and alienate remote workers. By shifting from meeting-heavy practices to intentional, human-centered communication, leaders can boost morale, foster inclusion, and respect the time of every team member. The future of work demands empathy, flexibility, and creativity in how we connect. Leaders who embrace these principles will not only improve operational efficiency but also cultivate a thriving, engaged workforce.
Why Leadership Obsessed with Catching Wrongdoing Hurts Businesses
A recent viral TikTok post (https://www.tiktok.com/@itzmelmaot/video/7579060748219845901) highlighted a UCLA sociology professor allegedly fixated on catching students cheating. While this example comes from academia, the principle applies to business leadership: when leaders focus excessively on policing and punishing rather than empowering and guiding, organizations suffer.
SEO Keywords: leadership trust, micromanagement, remote team support, hybrid work strategies, empowering employees, business culture, psychological safety
The Problem with Policing Over Performance
Micromanagement and hyper-vigilance erode trust, stifle creativity, and increase turnover. Leaders who prioritize catching wrongdoing create a culture of fear rather than accountability. Employees become risk-averse, innovation slows, and morale plummets. Research shows micromanaged employees report 68% lower morale and 55% reduced productivity (Murambinda, 2024).
Why Trust Matters in Leadership
Trust is the foundation of effective leadership. When employees feel trusted, they are more engaged, innovative, and loyal. Big Think identifies lack of psychological safety as a major leadership blind spot, noting that fear-based cultures lead to hidden problems and missed opportunities (Watkins, 2025).
Practical Ways to Support Teams Instead of Policing
Remote Teams
• Use collaborative tools like Microsoft Teams or Slack for transparency without surveillance. • Focus on outcomes, not screen time. Set clear goals and trust employees to manage their schedules. • Offer virtual coffee breaks and wellness check-ins to maintain connection.
Hybrid Teams
• Create flexible policies that respect both remote and in-office needs. • Encourage autonomy by allowing employees to choose their work environment when possible. • Use shared calendars for visibility rather than constant monitoring.
In-Person Teams
• Foster open communication and feedback loops. • Recognize achievements publicly to build trust and morale. • Avoid hovering—delegate tasks and empower decision-making.
Better Alternatives to Policing
Instead of focusing on catching employees doing wrong, leaders should build trust, encourage transparency, set clear expectations, and reward integrity. Forbes emphasizes that avoiding micromanagement and fostering autonomy leads to stronger, more resilient teams (Fairbank, 2025).
If you enjoy this content, like and subscribe. Also, if you are interested in consulting services, please reach out through my social media. Remember remote work is here to stay.
Sales drives revenue and growth, while compliance ensures adherence to laws, regulations, and ethical standards. In heavily regulated industries such as finance, education, and technology, these two functions should operate as partners. However, cultural attitudes often position compliance as an obstacle to sales, creating friction that undermines organizational integrity and long-term success (Smith, 2023).
The Adversarial Dynamic Between Sales and Compliance
Sales teams frequently view compliance as a barrier to closing deals quickly. Compliance departments, on the other hand, see themselves as guardians against risk, fraud, and regulatory violations. This tension is particularly pronounced in mortgage finance, where strict regulations govern lending practices. Having worked in mortgage financial compliance for two decades, I have witnessed firsthand how this cultural divide can lead to inefficiencies, strained relationships, and even regulatory penalties (Johnson, 2024).
Compliance as the Sword and Shield
Compliance is not the enemy of sales—it is the sword and shield that protects both the company and its clients. In industries like finance, compliance ensures transparency, prevents fraud, and safeguards consumer trust. Without robust compliance, organizations risk fines, reputational damage, and legal consequences that can far outweigh short-term sales gains (Brown, 2022).
Changing the Business Culture
The adversarial mindset must shift toward collaboration. Sales and compliance should share a common goal: sustainable growth within regulatory boundaries. This requires leadership commitment, cross-functional training, and technology solutions that streamline compliance without slowing down sales processes (Taylor, 2023).
Practical Strategies for Alignment
• Implement joint training programs to build mutual understanding. • Use compliance technology to automate checks and reduce friction. • Foster open communication channels between sales and compliance teams. • Align incentives so that compliance is seen as a value-add, not a hurdle.
Conclusion
Sales is vital for business success, but compliance is equally critical in regulated industries. By reframing compliance as a strategic partner rather than an adversary, organizations can protect their reputation, reduce risk, and enable sustainable growth. After 20 years in mortgage financial compliance, I firmly believe this cultural shift is not optional—it is essential for the future of ethical business practices (Forbes Coaches Council, 2025).
References
Brown, L. (2022). Compliance and risk management in financial services. Journal of Regulatory Compliance, 18(2), 45-59.
Johnson, R. (2024). Cultural conflicts in mortgage finance. Mortgage Compliance Review, 12(1), 33-47.
Smith, J. (2023). Sales vs compliance: A necessary partnership. Business Ethics Quarterly, 29(3), 78-92.
Taylor, M. (2023). Technology solutions for compliance integration. Tech in Business, 30(2), 88-101.
If you enjoy this content like and subscribe. Also, if you are interested in consulting services please reach out through my social media. Remember remote is here to stay.
Women in leadership often face a unique and persistent challenge: the double bind of communication expectations. While assertiveness is celebrated in male leaders, women who exhibit similar behaviors are frequently labeled as “aggressive” or “abrasive” (Lim, 2025). Conversely, when women soften their tone to avoid criticism, they risk being perceived as lacking authority or confidence (Muselman, 2025). This disconnect creates a frustrating paradox for women striving to lead effectively while remaining true to themselves.
The Criticism Behind Tone and Assertiveness
Feedback such as “don’t communicate so aggressively” often stems from entrenched gender norms that equate leadership with traditionally masculine traits like dominance and decisiveness (Eagly, 2024). Women who challenge these norms by speaking directly or advocating strongly for their ideas may encounter resistance, even when their approach mirrors that of male counterparts (Mann, 2025). These criticisms are not always malicious; they can reflect unconscious bias or cultural expectations within organizations.
Rather than internalizing such feedback as a personal failing, women can view it through the lens of managing up understanding their manager’s perspective while maintaining authenticity (Forbes Coaches Council, 2025). This approach allows leaders to take criticism “with a grain of salt,” using it as data rather than a directive, and to refine their communication style without compromising their values.
Authentic Leadership as the Antidote
Authentic leadership emphasizes self-awareness, transparency, and alignment between values and actions (Avolio & Gardner, 2005). For women, authenticity is not just a leadership style—it’s a survival strategy in systems that often demand conformity. Leading authentically means rejecting the notion that success requires mimicking dominant norms and instead embracing one’s natural strengths, such as empathy, collaboration, and integrity (Batra, 2025).
Authenticity also mitigates burnout. Research shows that behaving in ways misaligned with personal values is exhausting and unsustainable (Center for Creative Leadership, 2025). Women who cultivate authentic leadership practices—such as clarifying priorities, setting boundaries, and communicating with intentionality—are better equipped to thrive and inspire trust.
Managing Your Boss While Building Authentic Leadership
One of the most overlooked leadership skills is the ability to manage upward—strategically, influencing and aligning with your boss while staying true to your own leadership identity. For women developing an authentic leadership style, this concept is especially powerful because it shifts the narrative from passive compliance to proactive partnership.
Why Managing Up Matters Managing your boss isn’t about manipulation; it’s about creating clarity, trust, and mutual success. When you understand your boss’s priorities, communication style, and decision-making process, you can anticipate needs and position your ideas effectively. This not only strengthens your credibility but also ensures your team’s work aligns with organizational goals.
Authenticity as a Strategic Advantage Women often face pressure to conform to traditional leadership norms—assertive yet not “too assertive,” collaborative but not “too soft.” Managing up authentically means rejecting these rigid expectations and leading from your values. Instead of mimicking someone else’s style, leverage your strengths—whether that’s empathy, strategic thinking, or adaptability—to build influence without sacrificing integrity.
Practical Strategies for Managing Up Authentically
Clarify Expectations: Schedule regular check-ins to understand priorities and successful metrics.
Communicate Your Vision: Share how your approach supports organizational goals while reflecting your leadership values.
Offer Solutions, Not Problems: Frame challenges with actionable recommendations to demonstrate initiative.
Build Trust Through Transparency: Be honest about constraints and progress; authenticity thrives on openness.
Managing your boss is not about diminishing your voice—it’s about amplifying it in a way that fosters collaboration and positions you as a trusted leader. When done well, it becomes a cornerstone of authentic leadership development.
Remote vs. Leadership In-Person: Different Dynamics
The rise of remote work adds another layer of complexity. In-person leadership often relies on visible presence, spontaneous interactions, and nonverbal cues to establish authority and rapport (Gaffney, 2025). Remote leadership, by contrast, demands heightened clarity, trust-building, and intentional communication to compensate for the absence of physical proximity (Younger, 2025). Women leaders navigating remote environments may find that tone and word choice carry even greater weight when visual context is limited, amplifying the risk of misinterpretation.
Authentic leadership principles apply in both settings, but remote leadership requires additional strategies:
Structured communication to prevent ambiguity.
Empathy-driven engagement to maintain connection.
Technology fluency to foster collaboration across distances.
Managing Your Boss While Building Authentic Leadership
One of the most overlooked leadership skills is the ability to manage upward—strategically influencing and aligning with your boss while staying true to your own leadership identity. For women developing an authentic leadership style, this concept is especially powerful because it shifts the narrative from passive compliance to proactive partnership.
Why Managing Up Matters Managing your boss isn’t about manipulation; it’s about creating clarity, trust, and mutual success. When you understand your boss’s priorities, communication style, and decision-making process, you can anticipate needs and position your ideas effectively. This not only strengthens your credibility but also ensures your team’s work aligns with organizational goals.
Authenticity as a Strategic Advantage Women often face pressure to conform to traditional leadership norms—assertive yet not “too assertive,” collaborative but not “too soft.” Managing up authentically means rejecting these rigid expectations and leading from your values. Instead of mimicking someone else’s style, leverage your strengths—whether that’s empathy, strategic thinking, or adaptability—to build influence without sacrificing integrity.
Practical Strategies for Managing Up Authentically
Clarify Expectations: Schedule regular check-ins to understand priorities and success metrics.
Communicate Your Vision: Share how your approach supports organizational goals while reflecting your leadership values.
Offer Solutions, Not Problems: Frame challenges with actionable recommendations to demonstrate initiative.
Build Trust Through Transparency: Be honest about constraints and progress; authenticity thrives on openness.
Managing your boss is not about diminishing your voice, it’s about amplifying it in a way that fosters collaboration and positions you as a trusted leader. When done well, it becomes a cornerstone of authentic leadership development.
Moving Forward
The disconnect between expectations and reality for women leaders will not disappear overnight. However, by reframing criticism as context rather than command, embracing authentic leadership, and adapting to the nuances of remote and in-person environments, women can lead with confidence and integrity.
Organizations also bear responsibility. Leadership development programs must dismantle systemic biases and create cultures that value diverse leadership styles. Authenticity should not be a liability—it should be the standard.
References
Avolio, B. J., & Gardner, W. L. (2005). Authentic leadership development: Getting to the root of positive forms of leadership. The Leadership Quarterly, 16(3), 315–338. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.leaqua.2005.03.001
If you enjoy this content like and subscribe. Also, if you are interested in consulting services please reach out through my social media. Remember remote is here to stay.
Dr. Stephanie Diana Eubank DBA Remote Team Research (AKA Dr. Bear) 