Smart Work audiobook cover - The Ultimate Handbook for Remote and Hybrid Teams

Smart Work

The Ultimate Handbook for Remote and Hybrid Teams

Jo Owen

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Corporate CultureManagement & Leadership

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Smart Work
Paradigm Shift in Work+
The Hybrid Workplace+
Trust-Based Leadership+
Hiring for Values+
Effective Delegation+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 6
According to Jo Owen, why will physical offices continue to play an important role in the future of hybrid work?
  • A. They allow managers to effectively use surveillance software to monitor productivity.
  • B. They are essential for completing deep 'thinking' work like reading and writing reports.
  • C. They serve as vital environments for building trust, fostering chance encounters, and teaching company values.
  • D. They ensure that employees are working the required number of hours without distractions.
Question 2 of 6
How does the author respond to Machiavelli's classic question of whether a leader should be loved or feared in the context of modern management?
  • A. Leaders should rely on fear, as skilled professionals need strict boundaries to stay productive.
  • B. Leaders should cultivate love, as affection is the only way to retain remote workers.
  • C. Leaders must use advanced tracking technology to maintain control regardless of love or fear.
  • D. Leaders should abandon both love and fear, and instead build management on a foundation of trust.
Question 3 of 6
What is the author's view on using surveillance technologies like keyboard loggers and always-on video for remote workers?
  • A. They are necessary tools to replace the oversight that managers lose when employees leave the physical office.
  • B. They are highly effective for long-term productivity but require careful implementation to avoid legal issues.
  • C. They are a disastrous short-term fix that will drive away top talent by signaling a lack of trust.
  • D. They should only be used on employees who have previously demonstrated a lack of motivation.
Question 4 of 6
Why does the author recommend hiring for values rather than just skills, especially for remote teams?
  • A. It is much easier to train new skills than it is to change someone's core values to fit the team.
  • B. Skills are no longer relevant in a hybrid work environment where most tasks are automated.
  • C. Value-based hiring allows companies to pay lower salaries to entry-level remote workers.
  • D. Remote workers with high skills tend to demand too much autonomy and disrupt team dynamics.
Question 5 of 6
In the context of team values, what is the primary benefit of cultivating 'positive regard' among colleagues?
  • A. It ensures that team members only give positive feedback during performance reviews.
  • B. It helps colleagues assume good intentions, making it easier to solve problems without political blame games.
  • C. It eliminates all conflict and disagreement during team meetings and project planning.
  • D. It allows leaders to avoid delegating difficult tasks to team members who might be struggling.
Question 6 of 6
What mindset shift does the author suggest to help leaders kickstart the 'virtuous cycle' of delegation?
  • A. Assume that you start with none of the work, rather than all of it, and only keep what absolutely cannot be entrusted to others.
  • B. Focus strictly on delegating the boring and repetitive tasks so you can focus on the interesting work.
  • C. Delegate tasks only after a team member has proven their loyalty and alignment with company values over several years.
  • D. Retain all major problem-solving tasks to demonstrate to your team that you are leading from the front.

Smart Work — Full Chapter Overview

Smart Work Summary & Overview

Smart Work (2022) is a handbook for leaders navigating the post-pandemic transition into a world of remote and hybrid work. These are challenging times for managers, argues author Jo Owen. What worked in the office won’t necessarily work in remote teams. But if there’s one thing Covid-19 showed us, it’s that we can adapt – fast. And change is a good thing, he insists. Why? Well, mastering these challenges isn’t just about future-proofing your job – it’ll also make you a better leader. 

Who Should Listen to Smart Work?

  • Leaders and managers 
  • Team players 
  • Self-starters

About the Author: Jo Owen

Jo Owen is a multi-award winning author and public speaker. He has won the CMI Gold Award four times for his books, which have been published over 100 editions globally. His previous titles include How to Lead, Tribal Business School, and Global Teams.

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