Nearly 70% of professionals now work remotely at least once a week, and 16% of companies worldwide are fully remote. Managing a remote digital marketing team in this landscape is no walk in the park. With everyone scattered across the globe, it’s easy for communication to break down, deadlines to slip, and the team’s energy to fizzle out. But great managers? They turn those challenges into opportunities. And here at GrowthScribe, we’ve seen firsthand what makes a remote manager stand out from the crowd.
Spoiler alert: It’s not quite about being a superhero. It’s about mastering these 7 skills. Nail these, and you’ll have a team that not only hits targets 🎯 but genuinely loves their work. Let’s dive in.
1 — Clear and Concise Communication
Communication is the glue that holds remote teams together. It’s not just about sending messages, it’s about making sure everyone understands what’s needed—without having to jump on 10 extra calls.
Take this: We once had a client who needed their website live in under 24 hours. The manager? Absolute rockstar. They didn’t panic. Instead, they hopped on Notion, laid out every single task in a crystal-clear checklist, and set up a group chat for real-time updates. Designer knew exactly what to tweak, developer was on the same page, and the client? They got their site live, right on time. No drama, just clean, efficient communication.
2 — Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Let’s be real. Remote work can feel lonely. Your team members aren’t just robots behind a screen—they’re people, with good days, bad days, and everything in between. That’s where emotional intelligence comes in.
At GrowthScribe, our managers are experts at reading the room (even when there isn’t one). They notice when someone’s been a little quiet in meetings or seems off in Slack. Instead of jumping to conclusions, they reach out with empathy “Hey, how are things going? Anything you need help with?” It’s small moments like these that build trust and show your team you’ve got their back.
3 — Flexibility and Adaptability
Digital marketing? It’s like a rollercoaster that never stops. One minute, you’re executing a killer email campaign, and the next, Facebook changes their ad rules, and suddenly half the plan goes out the window.
What do GrowthScribe managers do? They roll with it. They know when to pivot, how to reprioritize, and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty when things need to change fast. Whether it’s jumping on a last-minute call or shifting the entire team’s focus, our managers stay flexible. It’s part of the reason why our team thrives, even when things get messy.
4 — Tech Savviness
Managing a remote team effectively means being comfortable with the tools at your disposal. When you know how to use these tools efficiently, it makes collaboration smoother and helps your team stay organized and productive.
Our managers? They’re pros. Need a project board that’s organized down to the last detail? They’ve got it set up on Trello faster than you can say “deadline.” Scheduling meetings with clients? Google Meet is ready with a single click. The point is, tech savviness isn’t optional—it’s mandatory. It keeps everything running smoothly, no matter where in the world your team is.
5 — Delegation and Trust
Here’s a tip: If you’re constantly hovering over your team’s shoulders, they’re not going to thrive. Remote work requires trust. Delegating isn’t about dumping work on people and walking away—it’s about empowering them to own it.
Our managers give their teams the room they need to excel. There’s no micromanagement here. Tasks are delegated with confidence, and the team is trusted to follow through. We don’t obsess over tracking hours or hovering over every detail. What truly matters is delivering high-quality work on time. Meet the deadline with solid results? That’s all that counts. This level of trust fuels our team’s energy and keeps everyone committed to doing their best work.
6 — Results-Oriented Focus
The magic isn’t in how many hours you clock in—it’s in what you deliver. The best managers don’t care if their team works at 7 a.m. or 7 p.m. What they care about is the outcome.
At GrowthScribe, this results-driven approach is everything. We don’t micromanage; we focus on what’s being delivered. Our managers set clear expectations, give their teams the freedom to work their way, and measure success by results—not time spent staring at a screen. And guess what? It works. Projects get completed, deadlines are met, and the team stays happy and productive.
7 — Empathy and Patience
Remote work can blur the lines between personal and professional life. Some days, team members are on fire, and other days, life throws them curveballs. Great managers understand that, and instead of pushing harder, they show empathy.
When someone’s feeling overwhelmed, GrowthScribe managers don’t pile on more work. They lighten the load, ask what kind of support is needed, and adjust expectations if necessary. It’s not about lowering standards—it’s about knowing when to offer a helping hand. This empathy creates a culture of respect, where team members feel seen and supported, no matter what’s going on behind the scenes.
A Culture That Thrives on Trust and Freedom
Here’s the deal: We don’t believe in micromanaging. There’s no tracking software, no constant check-ins. Our managers give their teams freedom, as long as they deliver on deadlines and quality. This balance of trust and accountability creates a thriving culture, where everyone feels empowered to do their best work.
And the best part? It’s not just about work. We encourage our managers and team members to take on projects they’re passionate about—whether it’s within their role or something entirely new. This freedom not only boosts creativity but also keeps our team engaged and excited about what’s coming next.
Conclusion
Being a great manager in a remote digital marketing team isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about fostering trust, encouraging creativity, and delivering results. At GrowthScribe, we’ve seen how the right combination of skills can turn remote challenges into opportunities for growth.
By focusing on clear communication, emotional intelligence, adaptability, tech skills, delegation, results, and empathy, our managers not only succeed—they thrive. And so does the team. Ready to lead your team to the next level? It’s all about mastering these seven skills.
