Running Remote book summary: Lessons from successful remote work pioneers

What is the Running Remote book about?

The Running Remote book is a practical guide to remote work, built on the idea that great remote teams run on an asynchronous mindset, not a copy of the office.

• It shares hard-won lessons from real remote work pioneers.
• It shows why remote work should not just imitate office habits.
• It gives clear, real-world advice for leaders, managers, and staff.

Remote work is now common across the business world. A fast shift to remote setups once forced many companies to change how they work almost overnight. So remote work became a default, not just a perk. For many, that was a welcome change. Still, it was abrupt, and plenty of teams felt unsure how to handle new remote work territory. The Running Remote book aims to fix that. It is the work of remote work pioneers and the fruit of lessons learned the hard way. Above all, it shares the authors’ experience with other entrepreneurs, employees, and managers who run remote work setups.

Running Remote summary

Running Remote is a full guide to remote working. Importantly, it is written by people with deep firsthand experience. So the advice comes from practice, not theory.

The book reveals the secrets to strong remote setups. For example, the authors draw on their own work plus research with many remote companies, leaders, and experts. Without giving too much away, the main point fits in two words: an asynchronous mindset.

In short, an asynchronous mindset means work does not depend on everyone being online at once. Instead, teams write things down, share context, and let people act on their own time. As a result, fewer meetings are needed, and deep work gets easier. The book touches on all the key points of remote work. Meanwhile, it details the common pain points and pitfalls that teams face when they go remote. Most importantly, it explains why remote work should not just copy the office. This idea sits at the heart of strong remote work culture, and it shapes how good teams operate.

Running Remote review: What’s the hype all about?

Running Remote has won praise from many industry leaders. In part, that is because it offers a timely, practical guide on how to make remote work actually work.

For example, Cal Newport, author of the bestseller A World Without Email, called it a “critical guide to thriving in the new world of asynchronous work.” In addition, Sara Sutton, CEO of the popular US job board FlexJobs, praised it as “an excellent resource for practical insights.” And it lives up to that billing.

The book offers a fresh take on remote work. So the advice feels grounded, because it comes from experts who practice what they preach. The real-world examples are a nice touch too. As a result, the lessons stay easy to relate to daily business life. Many of these ideas also help when you manage a remote team of your own.

Running Remote book: Who should read it?

Running Remote suits almost anyone who works remotely. For example, it helps rank-and-file staff, managers, and C-level leaders alike.

In particular, startup founders will gain a lot from the book. Because of this, they can learn to use remote work to their business advantage. The book is also a goldmine for remote team managers. So it helps them avoid needless meetings and other distractions. For a practical next step, these tips on boosting remote employee productivity pair well with the book’s advice.

Meet the Running Remote book authors: Rob Rawson and Liam Martin

Rob Rawson and Liam Martin are the brains behind Running Remote. Rawson is the co-founder and CEO of Time Doctor. Meanwhile, Martin, his co-founder, serves as chief marketing officer.

Time Doctor is a leading provider of software for remote work. Notably, its team of more than 100 people works remotely from around the world. So the two authors know firsthand what it takes to make remote work drive real success. Their journey also shows the value of building effective remote teams from the ground up.

Rawson and Martin have both appeared on the Outsource Accelerator Podcast with Derek Gallimore. You can listen to Liam Martin’s full episode here.

Where to buy the Running Remote book

Running Remote is available on Amazon in several formats. For example, you can pick paperback, hardcover, Kindle, or Audible. In addition, the audiobook is free to download with an Audible account. So it is easy to start in the format you like best.

Frequently asked questions about the Running Remote book

Who wrote the Running Remote book?

Rob Rawson and Liam Martin wrote it. They are the co-founders of Time Doctor, a remote work software company. So the book draws on their own remote-first experience. As a result, the advice is practical rather than purely academic.

What is the main idea of Running Remote?

The core idea is an asynchronous mindset. In short, work should not depend on everyone being online at the same time. Instead, teams write things down and let people act on their own schedule. As a result, they cut meetings and protect deep work.

Is the Running Remote book worth reading?

Yes, for most people who lead or join remote teams. For example, it offers real-world examples and clear, usable advice. In addition, leaders like Cal Newport and Sara Sutton have praised it. So it is a solid pick for anyone new to remote work.

Who should read Running Remote?

The book suits staff, managers, and executives alike. In particular, startup founders gain a lot from it. Meanwhile, remote team managers learn how to cut wasted meetings. So the lessons apply across many roles.

Where can I buy the Running Remote book?

You can buy it on Amazon in several formats. For example, paperback, hardcover, and Kindle are all available. In addition, the Audible version is free with an account. So you can choose the format that fits your routine.