For many of us, remote work is new territory, and every day, we make an effort to adjust, learn and unlearn new remote work techniques, especially since this may be the new normal for a while.
Fortunately, many companies are starting to be more aware of the advantages of working remotely, completely ditching the 9-to-5 drill and finding better ways to be more productive remotely. Because of this, business owners are met with a whole new set of challenges, one of which is managing a team remotely.
If you’re currently struggling with managing your remote team and finding ways to work better from a distance, stick around. Below is our guide to help you manage and your team remotely. Let’s get to it!
1. Encourage communication and transparency
Communication is vital in a work environment, especially when you’re working remotely. And with communication comes transparency.
When you’re transparent to your team members, you allow information to be shared with workers and managers freely, without hesitation. This reminds your team members of their responsibilities and how their work and output affects the whole team.
Besides that, transparency puts everyone on the same page, which is especially important when you have an on-going team project. This will help you achieve your team’s objectives, reach your goals, and come through with your company’s vision.
2. Hold virtual coffee sessions and breaks
The great thing about remote work is that you can adapt some physical office culture to a digital platform, such as coffee breaks and conversations.
A great way to continue to build office culture even remotely is through virtual coffee breaks. To do this, create a regular schedule on your calendar that works best for every employee, especially those in different time zones. These virtual conversations may be awkward at first, but over time, you’ll be able to form a solid connection and relationship with your team no matter the distance.
3. Avoid micromanaging your team
Leading your team, especially from different countries, may be challenging because you’re dealing with time differences, various cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs. For this reason, you must prevent yourself from micromanaging your team and watching their every move.
When you do this, you give your team members an idea that you don’t trust their abilities and don’t think they can manage their tasks independently. It’s essential to allow your team to grow and develop their skills, and check up on them from time to time for updates and see their progress.
4. Utilize the right management tools
Since remote work has been growing in popularity in the last few years, many developers have created tools to help teams manage their projects and workload remotely. However, being of the plethora of options, some business owners choose the wrong tools.
When choosing a project management tool, make sure that you use one that allows you to monitor your team’s progress, view online discussions, promote productivity, and allow you to communicate with your team seamlessly, and more.
Conclusion
Remote work can be challenging at first, especially when you need to manage a team. But when you find the right groove, create a better routine, and find the best way to lead your team, you’ll find this type of work incredibly beneficial for you, your team, and the company. So remember these tips and build a dream team your company will be proud of!
Are you currently looking for remote work? Check out Skilled Moms. We offer hundreds of employment solutions to help you find the perfect one in the rapidly evolving environment. With our services, we provide moms with the power to choose their path and business by finding a workforce best suited for their skills. Apply for a job today!
