Never before has the remote management of a work team been more important. It’s a no-brainer that there’s been a huge boom in the work-from-home environment in 2020.
This means that team leaders and team members have had to make significant adaptations to their task management and communication. If you’re looking for helpful tips on how to manage a remote team, this blog is for you.
1. Manage a Remote Team with Daily Check-Ins
Just because you’re not working in the same space doesn’t mean you can’t have a handle on what your team is working on.
The best way to stay on top of the work load is to have daily check-in meetings or ”scrums”. Ideally, these should be first thing in the morning before the day begins.
You can choose to do a group check-in, or if it’s needed, a one-on-one check-in via video chat. Email conversations can only help you so much. It’s best to have that facetime, and an open chat so that everyone is on the same page and you’re all caught up-to-speed.
2. Use Technology to Your Advantage
In today’s day and age, there are a numerous platforms that make working-from-home more possible than it ever has been. This includes free conference call platforms, chat tools, collaboration tools, and more.
You are no longer bound by just one form of communication, which used to be call or email. You have access to improved, long-term solutions such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, and more — so make the most of it and simplify your communication!
3. Make Communication a Top Priority
On the topic of communication, the best way to manage a remote team is to communicate as often as possible. However, don’t micromanage your team to the point that your communication becomes distracting.
Check-in with your team at regular intervals throughout the day to see how everyone is doing, ask questions, and be proactive.
4. Set Realistic Expectations For Your Team
Another good tip for managing a remote team is to manage your own expectations, as well as theirs. Create a realistic expectation of what your team needs to achieve and by when.
Set your team up for success, but don’t overshoot the mark. Clearly outline the tasks that need to be done, and why. Help your team understand how you measure their success.
Make sure your team is well aware of the scope of their work, their deadlines, and the deliverables expected of them each week.
5. Focus on Team Achievements
Instead of focusing on the amount of time/hours each person in your team is working, focus on what they have achieved.
This will help you to manage your own time and tasks better, too. It’s a more fool-proof way of measuring your team’s success.
Remember that it can be difficult to keep track of every aspect of your team’s work when scattered across locations. So it’s better to assess the overall end products acheived by each team member.
6. Trust Your Team
It’s super important to believe that your team members are pulling their weight. Make sure that they are aware that you trust them to do so.
Putting trust in your team to work their hours and accomplish their tasks will make them feel valued and motivated, while also helping you to remain flexible during unprecedented times.
Get Your Hit of Entrepreneurial Motivation
Once you learn how to manage a remote team and you’re able to meet your goals, it can be extremely rewarding for everyone involved.
If you’re an entrepreneur or business owner, check out the rest of this site for all the motivation you need to find success. You’ll find articles on all things business news, tech, health, and more.
