As a long-distance manager, you have a lot on your plate. It includes your company, your team members, your clients, and your personal life. It can be challenging to balance it all, but the first step is accepting that you can't do everything alone.

Don't act like you're the only vital asset in the team. Plan ahead to ensure your team can continue working when you're away. Keep in mind the following question, "How would my team operate if I got to a hospital the other day?" Organize your team’s work so that this question doesn’t make you nervous.

To balance your priorities, you need to make wise choices about spending your limited time. Time management is all about choice management. So, spare time for physical exercise, your loved ones, self-development, reading, spirituality, and community involvement. These personal needs are just as important as professional ones. Remember, you shouldn’t be at your team’s disposal day and night.

As you prepare for the future of long-distance leadership, keep in mind your organization's goals for its industry standing. What traits and attributes should your future distant leaders possess? How will you and your organization support remote leaders-in-training? Create a plan for your professional development activities to become the leader you want to be. Having such a plan ahead would significantly reduce stress afterward.

When you find yourself in trouble, remember Rule 1: "Think about leadership first, location second." Location may be a barrier, yet it shouldn't hold you back from being a successful leader. No matter how far away your team members are. Coaching principles remain the same, whether you're close by or far away. They involve setting clear objectives, forming connections, offering support and guidance, and addressing mistakes.

All these rules can be of great use. Let them inspire you, let them flow through your mind and life, and finally, apply them. No actions, no changes.