The Journey to Remote HR Leadership
In the latest episode of Return to People, host Kaleem Clarkson welcomes Marta McAllister, who has built an entire HR department from scratch without ever stepping into an office. Marta shares her journey from a traditional office setting to embracing remote work, highlighting the importance of trust and intentional connection over mere office presence. > She's living proof that trust, transformation, and tough conversations can absolutely happen over Zoom or any other virtual video camera space.
Marta recounts her career path, which began unexpectedly in HR after observing the transformative work of a seasoned HR leader. Her journey led her to Las Vegas, where she made remote work a personal non-negotiable, allowing her the flexibility to manage both her professional and personal responsibilities. > And recently, she's been a part of an organization that's let her finally drive her kids to school.
Emphasizing Trust and Connection
The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of fostering a people-first culture in a remote environment. Marta emphasizes the critical role of trust in building successful remote teams. She notes that intentional connection is vital, as it does not occur as naturally as in an office setting. Instead, it requires deliberate effort and creativity.
Marta shares her initiative of scheduling "human to human" check-ins with colleagues, which allowed her to understand why employees choose to stay at the company. She discovered that kindness and the mission-driven nature of the company were significant factors. > I get to work with really kind people. And I... we're kind. I don't think we hear enough in the corporate environment. — Marta McAllister
Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success
One of the main challenges Marta faced was improving employee sentiment towards the executive leadership team. Through transparency and open communication, such as monthly "ask me anything" sessions, she successfully elevated the level of trust within the organization. > And that sentiment over the last 18 months, because we have surveyed three more times since then, basically has gone into the green. — Marta McAllister
Looking back, Marta reflects on her early career fears of inadequacy and advises her younger self to focus on her unique skills and talents, rather than what she lacks. This mindset shift is critical in navigating the complex landscape of remote work and leadership.
Conclusion
Marta McAllister's insights underscore the importance of intentional human connection and trust in remote work environments. Her experience illustrates how these elements are crucial for building a strong, cohesive team, regardless of physical distance.
