You're leading a remote team and need to give feedback. What software tools should you use?

1 Video conferencing

One of the most effective ways to give feedback to remote teams is to use video conferencing software, such as Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet. Video conferencing allows you to see and hear your team members, and convey your tone, body language, and facial expressions. This can help you build rapport, trust, and empathy with your team, and reduce the risk of misunderstandings or conflicts. Video conferencing also enables you to share your screen, use chat functions, and record your sessions for future reference. When you use video conferencing for feedback, make sure you schedule a convenient time for everyone, prepare your points in advance, and ask for your team's input and questions.

2 Screen recording

Another useful tool for giving feedback to remote teams is screen recording software, such as Loom, Screencast-O-Matic, or Camtasia. Screen recording software allows you to record your voice and your screen, and share the video with your team members. This can be helpful when you want to demonstrate a process, show an example, or explain a complex concept. Screen recording software also allows you to edit your videos, add annotations, and embed links. When you use screen recording for feedback, make sure you keep your videos short, clear, and engaging, and invite your team to respond with their own videos or comments.

3 Feedback platforms

A third option for giving feedback to remote teams is to use feedback platforms, such as 15Five, Officevibe, or Culture Amp. Feedback platforms are software tools that help you collect, analyze, and act on feedback from your team members. They allow you to create surveys, polls, quizzes, and check-ins, and track your team's performance, engagement, and satisfaction. Feedback platforms also allow you to give and receive feedback in real-time, and recognize and reward your team's achievements. When you use feedback platforms for feedback, make sure you set clear goals and expectations, use open-ended questions, and follow up on the feedback you receive.

4 Collaboration tools

A fourth option for giving feedback to remote teams is to use collaboration tools, such as Slack, Trello, or Asana. Collaboration tools are software tools that help you manage your team's projects, tasks, and workflows. They allow you to communicate with your team members, assign and monitor tasks, and share files and documents. Collaboration tools also allow you to give and receive feedback on your team's work, and comment and suggest changes. When you use collaboration tools for feedback, make sure you use clear and respectful language, provide constructive and specific feedback, and acknowledge and appreciate your team's efforts.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?