Leading projects remotely can be challenging, but also rewarding. You need to adapt your communication, collaboration, and coordination skills to a virtual environment, while maintaining trust, engagement, and productivity among your team and stakeholders. In this article, you will learn some tips and best practices to help you lead projects remotely with confidence and success.
One of the first steps to lead projects remotely is to select the appropriate tools and platforms for your team and project. You need to consider factors such as the size and complexity of your project, the preferences and capabilities of your team, the security and reliability of the tools, and the budget and resources available. Some of the common tools you may use include project management software, video conferencing tools, instant messaging apps, cloud storage services, and collaboration tools.
Some of the right tools which is essential in this regards are: 1. Use the Whiteboard in MS TEAMS for noting down anything discussed in team meetings, client calls. 2. Send Minutes of meeting to all stakeholders after every meeting. 3. Keep track of all in scope and out of scope topics for the project. 4. Use Excel sheet or MS Azure DevOps for tracking all backlogs, active tasks and bugs for the project. 5. Prepare Project plan and cutover plan in MS Projects or excel sheet.
Communication is key to any project, but especially to remote ones. You need to establish clear and frequent communication channels with your team and stakeholders, and ensure that everyone is on the same page about the project goals, scope, roles, responsibilities, expectations, and progress. You also need to communicate proactively and transparently, and address any issues or risks that may arise promptly. Moreover, you need to communicate with empathy and respect, and foster a positive and supportive team culture.
1.Send Minutes of meeting to all stakeholders after every meeting. 2.Keep track of all in scope and out of scope topics for the project. 3.Use Excel sheet or MS Azure DevOps for tracking all backlogs, active tasks and bugs for the project. 5. Prepare Project plan and cutover plan in MS Projects or excel sheet.
Collaboration is another essential skill for remote project leaders. You need to create opportunities and mechanisms for your team to work together, share ideas, give feedback, and solve problems. You also need to leverage the diversity and strengths of your team, and encourage innovation and creativity. Some of the ways you can collaborate effectively and creatively include using online brainstorming and ideation tools, setting up regular team meetings and check-ins, creating shared documents and dashboards, and celebrating achievements and milestones.
1.Send Minutes of meeting to all stakeholders after every meeting. 2. Keep track of all in scope and out of scope topics for the project. 3. Use Excel sheet or MS Azure DevOps for tracking all backlogs, active tasks and bugs for the project. 4.Prepare Project plan and cutover plan in MS Projects or excel sheet. 5 Prepare RACI matrix and create task wise ownership of all tasks.
Coordination is the third skill you need to master to lead projects remotely. You need to plan, organize, and monitor the tasks and resources of your project, and ensure that they are aligned with the project objectives, timeline, and budget. You also need to delegate tasks and responsibilities to your team members, and provide them with the necessary guidance, support, and feedback. Additionally, you need to coordinate with other stakeholders, such as clients, sponsors, vendors, and partners, and manage their expectations and deliverables.
Trust and engagement are crucial for remote project success. You need to build trust and rapport with your team and stakeholders, and demonstrate your competence, credibility, and commitment. You also need to engage your team and stakeholders, and motivate them to perform at their best. Some of the ways you can build trust and engagement include setting clear and realistic goals, giving recognition and appreciation, soliciting input and feedback, providing autonomy and flexibility, and creating a sense of belonging and purpose.
Finally, you need to learn and improve as a remote project leader. You need to evaluate your performance and results, and identify your strengths and areas for improvement. You also need to seek feedback and advice from your team and stakeholders, and implement changes and actions based on their suggestions. Moreover, you need to learn from your successes and failures, and apply your lessons learned to future projects. By doing so, you will enhance your skills and competencies, and become a more effective and confident remote project leader.