#202 Wayne Turmel: Hybrid Work: Strategy or Just a Game of Office Chicken?

Wayne Turmel, co-author of The Long-Distance Leader, has spent years studying what makes remote and hybrid leadership work—and what makes it a complete disaster. In this episode, he breaks down why hybrid work often feels like a three-day compromise nobody really loves, how proximity bias warps leadership decisions, and why being intentional beats simply showing up. Whether you’re managing a team across time zones or just trying to figure out how to give feedback without a forced video call, Wayne’s insights will help you lead smarter (and avoid unnecessary meetings).

Key Highlights of Our Interview:

Lessons from History’s Leaders

“Genghis Khan ruled half the world without a Webex meeting. Julius Caesar? Brilliant in the field, but the office politics got him. Leading from afar isn’t new—it’s just evolved.”

The Proximity Bias Trap

“In hybrid setups, those in the office often get more attention and opportunities—intentionally or not. Awareness is key to ensure fairness across the team.”

Bridging the Trust Gap

“Leadership tasks haven’t changed, but relationships, trust, and proactive communication now require a conscious effort to avoid gaps and micromanagement.”

The Synchronous-Asynchronous Dance

“Effective hybrid work balances synchronous collaboration with asynchronous deep work. It’s not about clocking in at the same time but about delivering results with flexibility.”

Intentionality Over Chaos

“Hybrid solutions require intentionality. Schedule in-office days for meetings and collaboration. Leave remote days for focused work. Let people own their time to produce quality results.”

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Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Wayne Turmel

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