Managing remote teams can be challenging, especially in uncertain times when change and disruption are constant. How can you lead your team effectively, maintain trust and communication, and support their well-being and performance? In this article, we will share some best practices for managing remote teams in uncertain times, based on the skill of line management.
One of the first steps to managing remote teams is to set clear expectations for your team members. This includes defining the goals, roles, responsibilities, deadlines, and deliverables of each project or task. You also need to communicate how you will measure and monitor their progress, and what feedback and recognition they can expect from you. Setting clear expectations helps your team stay focused, aligned, and accountable, and reduces ambiguity and confusion.
Communication is key to managing remote teams, especially in uncertain times when things can change quickly and unpredictably. You need to communicate regularly and effectively with your team, using different channels and formats depending on the purpose and urgency of the message. For example, you can use video calls for team meetings, check-ins, and brainstorming sessions, email for updates and announcements, and instant messaging for quick questions and feedback. You also need to communicate clearly and transparently, avoiding jargon and assumptions, and addressing any issues or concerns promptly and respectfully.
Trust and rapport are essential for managing remote teams, as they foster a sense of belonging, collaboration, and engagement. You can build trust and rapport with your team by showing genuine interest and care for them as individuals, not just as workers. You can do this by asking about their personal lives, hobbies, and interests, celebrating their achievements and milestones, and acknowledging their challenges and difficulties. You can also build trust and rapport by being consistent, reliable, and honest, and by empowering your team to make decisions and solve problems.
Here are my top tips for creating a great collaborative team culture: -Develop a healthy culture of giving and receiving feedback -Create opportunities for your team members to contribute with innovative ideas. -Ensure everyone gets a voice and show that you recognise their expertise -Provide opportunities in meetings for informal chatting -Provide opportunities for socialisation and togetherness that isn’t work related -Try to find a topic that might spark an interest to prevent forced talking -Ice breakers create an even playing field at the start of meetings -Admit mistakes publicly.A human touch can make all the difference and break down barriers -Allow team members the opportunity to showcase if they want to
Managing remote teams in uncertain times can be stressful and demanding, both for you and your team members. You need to support their well-being and resilience by providing them with the resources, tools, and flexibility they need to work effectively and comfortably. You also need to encourage them to take breaks, set boundaries, and practice self-care. You can also support their well-being and resilience by creating a positive and supportive team culture, where they can share their feelings, experiences, and feedback, and where they can receive and offer help and support.
Managing remote teams in uncertain times also requires you to encourage their learning and development, as they may need to acquire new skills, knowledge, or competencies to adapt to the changing environment. You can encourage their learning and development by providing them with learning opportunities, such as online courses, webinars, podcasts, or mentoring. You can also encourage their learning and development by creating a feedback-rich environment, where they can receive and give constructive feedback, and where they can learn from their mistakes and successes.
1. Set clear expectations and communicate regularly to keep everyone aligned. 2. Use digital tools to create a virtual work environment and track performance. 3. Be empathetic and support your team's well-being to keep them motivated. 4. Establish credibility by projecting confidence and a positive attitude. 5. Encourage learning by providing opportunities to acquire new skills and adapt. For example, one manager held daily virtual standups to share goals, track progress, and remove blockers, using video to stay connected with her remote team during the pandemic.
Finally, managing remote teams in uncertain times also involves celebrating and rewarding their efforts, achievements, and contributions. You can celebrate and reward your team by recognizing their work publicly and privately, by giving them praise, appreciation, and gratitude, and by offering them incentives, bonuses, or perks. Celebrating and rewarding your team helps them feel valued, motivated, and satisfied, and boosts their morale and loyalty.
Create a company wide reward and recognition channel in Microsoft Teams where colleagues can spotlight their peers for anything that is praiseworthy. As a manager create a simple MS forms survey to allow colleagues to nominate a peer for a monthly spotlight award. Celebrate winners in the teams channel and have a tangible reward such as an Amazon voucher
Create opportunities to meet:- Please make sure your employees know they are valued by meeting with them regularly. Don't cancel! Schedule extra 'tea breaks' - aim to create social connection. Strong team relations are linked to results. Could you share your calendar and let people know when you are available? Could you video call and encourage your team to do the same? It's like keeping the office door open.