5 Tips for Managing Your Remote Team
“Remote or not, employees can only be accountable for what’s expected of them.”
Need help keeping your remote team engaged and on the same page?
Like many managers across the country, you may have found yourself adjusting to leading a remote team in recent weeks. Covid-19 has caused, amongst many things, a complete shift in working habits. It isn’t easy to adjust your leadership style and team strategy overnight. That’s why we’ve also created this list of our top tips to encourage remote team members.
Here are 5 tips to help you and your team be productive — regardless of where they work.
1. Recognize the challenges
Going from working in the office to working in your living room isn’t without complications. Many people may have had to create their own makeshift office area and are prone to distractions with family at home.
It is good to discuss with team members any particular challenges they may be facing during lockdown, so that you are aware of these challenges and can discuss how you can help. This period will require additional flexibility from team members and managers, as we all adjust to remote working.
Developing and working on your empathy and emotional intelligence will make you a better leader and improve your overall relationships.
2. Set expectations
It’s important to set expectations for your team during this period. Deadlines and deliverables for every task and project is crucial, particularly when teams are no longer working in close proximity.
3. Navigating different time zones
At Vistasuite, we have team members working across several different time zones. This can be useful as it creates a sense of constant forward motion, but it can also lead to a disconnect.
Particularly, when time zones are at opposite ends of the spectrum. It is important, when scheduling your daily check-in call to be mindful of what time of day it is for your workers across the country and the globe.
Encourage communication between team members and use the time zones to your advantage. It can be incredibly productive to have a day and night shift.
4. Managing conflict on remote teams
As remote teams primarily communicate in writing, this leaves room for miscommunication, which if left unmanaged can create conflict.
As human beings we take so many cues from face to face conversations and without these cues, comments can be misconstrued. It’s particularly important during these times to create a time when people can share any concerns before they escalate.
Consider sending video messages when a text message could leave too much room for improper interpretation.
5. Encourage your team to keep learning
Whilst it can feel that life is standing still as we work from our living rooms, it is important for teams to keep learning.
Enhancing and acquiring new skills allows team members to grow and develop and ultimately become more productive. Provide opportunities to your team for personal and professional development and you’ll find team members are more motivated.
In the wake of COVID-19, our perspective on what’s possible for remote work is expanding on a daily basis. Don’t miss an update! Have every post delivered directly to your inbox.
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