How to Lead Remote Teams

Managing remote workers might be difficult, there are several simple and affordable things managers can take to make the move easier.

1. Set up daily check-ins

This may appear to be excessive, but it is critical for managers and teams who are new to remote working. Whereas email, phone, and texts may have once sufficed, successful remote leaders are increasingly relying on video conferencing to establish the face-to-face engagement that is currently lacking.

2. Set productivity objectives

Another difficulty managers face while learning how to manage a remote team is keeping track of their employees' productivity. Working from a distance allows each member of your team to set their own pace and schedule, but that doesn't mean you can't take steps to maintain productivity high.

3. Promote Professional Social Interaction

Positive interactions with coworkers are a key aspect of maintaining workplace morale. Unfortunately, in a virtual environment, it might be difficult to promote that type of social engagement.

As a result, you can make a communication channel where employees can converse casually throughout the day, either alone or in small groups. Create a casual chat channel on Slack, for example, or use Basecamp's "Watercooler" function. This will go a long way toward keeping staff pleased and increasing teamwork.

4. Consider giving Specific Feedback

Feedback is required to ensure that staff are doing the right thing and progressing in the right direction. It is also quite beneficial in maintaining the quality of their job. You can give feedback even if you aren't in the same room with them all day.

Reach out to your staff via your virtual communication channels to let them know how they're doing, to compliment them on their good job, and to point out areas where they may improve.

5. Over-Communicate

Over-communicating is critical when it comes to the team's tasks, obligations, responsibilities, and expected outcomes. In a typical job, a lack of communication can already be a problem. However, communication is critical when employees are working remotely and may be focusing on new or different activities and goals.

6. Believe in your team

You will have solid working relationships with everyone on your team if you can trust them. It will manifest itself in the team's overall dynamics, and when this occurs, members may work more effectively, and everyone can generate a desirable product.

The recruitment process for remote workers is difficult, so make sure you can trust the individual you're employing before beginning the onboarding process. Hiring someone you have reservations about (even if they are little) will be fruitless and stressful.

7. Be Flexible

While it is crucial to establish ground rules and clear expectations, you must also be flexible while working with a remote team. There will surely be occasions when someone must take a sick day or attend to a personal situation. When this occurs, it is critical to be understanding and accommodating.