You’re managing a remote healthcare team and deadlines are looming. How can you keep everyone on track?

As a leader, clarity in communication is extremely important. This is also important when developing plans and goals. Use the SMART methodology when developing your goals- make them Specific, Measurable, Accountable, Realistic, and Time- bound. This will help you deliver your message of the goals clearly and realistically.

There are a million lessons that advise, but wait till you are in an undeveloped place and then you will learn. 1-Set clear objectives, establish regular check-ins, leverage technology for seamless communication, establish personal responsibility and foster a culture of accountability. 2-Create an open Group and encourage open dialogue, address challenges promptly, and recognize achievements. 3-Prioritize tasks, delegate effectively, and ensure resources are readily available. Flexibility is key, but maintaining discipline ensures goals are met efficiently. 4-Award those who complete milestones on time and on budget on target. Also award open communication. NEVER BEAT DOWN PEOPLE IN THE GROUP, ANY CRITICISM DO IT ON A PERSONAL LEVEL.

Giving precise directions is the first step in leading your remote healthcare team. Divide up projects into discrete tasks and specify what has to be done when. Everyone ought to understand the larger picture and how their work fits into it. Establish attainable deadlines and quality standards, and use calendars and other organizational tools to keep everyone on task. This openness fosters trust and maintains the efficiency of your remote team.

To keep your remote healthcare team on track & meet deadlines effectively, consider implementing the following strategies: 1. Prioritize and Focus: Encourage your team to prioritize tasks & focus on essential activities. 2. Set Specific Interaction Times: Establish specific days, times, & methods for team interaction. 3. Establish Clear Expectations: Set clear expectations around tasks. 4. Manage Energy: Encourage your team to manage their energy effectively. 5. Seek Support: Encourage a supportive environment where team members can seek help when needed. By implementing these strategies, you can enhance productivity, communication, and teamwork within your remote healthcare team, ultimately leading to successful deadline management.

While it's important to set deadlines to maintain progress, be realistic about what your team can achieve within a given timeframe. Allow flexibility where possible, especially if unforeseen challenges arise. In addition, ensure your team has access to the necessary resources and support to achieve their goals. This may include training, access to databases, collaboration tools, or even regular feedback sessions.

Be in constant communication with your team. Regular communication fosters trust and ultimately success. It is also important to be effective in communication. This means to find the right balance of content and frequency. You do not want to appear to be a nag or micro manager with your teams. Learn to find the right frequency of calls with your teams. Establish a framework of what will be discussed. This will help you and your team achieve your goals and deadlines.

Recently we've started using Trello for project team communications. We especially like the Kanban view which helps establish a process and uses cards for specific tasks. It's super easy to designate who is responsible and what is the deadline. Its also possible to use checklists within each card so you can quickly see what has and has not been completed. When compared to the clunky tools and trackers we used previously, It becomes almost like a game to check things off and move them onto someone else's plate.

Give your teams the gift of ownership. As a leader, you will be doing a disservice to yourself, your teams, your clients, and your management by trying to do everything yourself. Empower your teams. Learn to trust them. Delegate tasks and responsibilities. Give your teams the opportunity to learn and grow. This may be challenging for your teams but they will thank you if not in the end, then later on in their career.

Having worked as a manager remotely for more than six years now, I have found that every team member is different. As I delegate tasks, I think who is going to really enjoy and feel empowered in taking on this project. We set up a weekly meeting for check-ins, not just to make sure everyone is on tasks, but to also see if there are any roadblocks or concerns that the team may have. It is important for your team members to feel they have a voice and that their concerns are valued. Empowerment and appreciation is priceless in the remote workforce. I also reinforce they call for assistance they may need or require. All of my team is valued, because they know they are valued they are empowered and responsible employees.

In managing a remote healthcare team with looming deadlines, recognition and rewards play a crucial role in maintaining motivation and productivity. One effective approach is to acknowledge individual and team achievements publicly, whether through virtual shout-outs in team meetings or dedicated recognition channels. Additionally, offering flexible work schedules or extra time off after meeting milestones can serve as valuable rewards that promote work-life balance. Continuous feedback and open communication channels also ensure team members feel valued and supported, fostering a positive work environment conducive to meeting deadlines successfully.

Consider what visibility is in place on progress- individual, team, and project level. When there is a common goal, a visual aid is often helpful in aligning a team to see their impact and distance from success. Tools such as spreadsheets, project management systems such as Trello, or power BI are all beneficial in their own way.