5 Effective Ways to Manage Teams Remotely

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Remote work is the new normal, you can guess why. However, the MBA did not train us to manage remote teams, did it?

Daily, we learn, upgrade, and adjust, a clear example is what is happening now. Many managers are finding it challenging to manage remote teams and we are here to share a few tips that you can use.

"The Difficulty Lies Not So Much In Developing New Ideas As In Escaping From Old Ones."– John Maynard Keynes

1.Effective Communication:

If you are part of the group that assumes being brief and precise with your communication means you're communicating effectively then, have a second thought about this. Yes being precise could be mistaken for being efficient but is the recipient on the same page with you? Was the communication understood? Will this prevent a back and forth?

Don’t rush it, make sure all team members understand what is being communicated.

2. Structured Task Assignments, Check-ins, and Reports:

Though we trust that team members will do what they’ve been assigned to do, still check-in. As a leader you have to ensure work or tasks are delivered and the team member is motivated enough to do it. Set times the whole team agrees on having these short meetings and updates. Regular meetings help to maintain healthy communication among team members and also gives others an opportunity to seek and offer support, when needed.

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3. Utilize Available Apps and Software:

I can go on and on about the apps that you can use. There are many on the marketplace, you just need to find what works for your team. Find apps for your weekly and daily meetings, quick check-ins, time trackers, task submissions, reports, even small non-work related talks.

Here are my personal favorites but of course, some might not work for everyone;

Meetings: Zoom

Time tracking and report: Toggl

File sharing: Google drive, Dropbox

Task assignment: Google task

Project Management: Trello

Reporting: Google Doc

Or use helpful time management & productivity tools.

4. Celebrate the Little Accomplishments:

Most people get more done when they feel appreciated and motivated. Celebrate the accomplishments of your team members. Show them that their work does not go unnoticed. Even if it's as little as getting one task done on time or gaining one customer or bringing in feedback. Say things such as “Well done!”, “ Excellent work” and when targets are reached, we can settle on a virtual “celebration” together. Cheer!

5. Develop or allow time for socializing:

Similar to being in the office, there should be time allotted for fun. Get your team socializing on some level. Maybe you can schedule a ‘game night’ where you gather on Zoom to play a game. Or simple throw a Zoom party where you can all get together and talk about non-work related activities.

During the regular course of business, don’t forget to ask about their day and let them talk among themselves for a while before or after serious business is done. 

Some mistakes you are likely to make?

Being the leader means you have to be an example, many may fall into the we-are-home-so-it's-relaxed mood, disregarding all etiquette. Try your best to also be the leader that is not too rigid, offer kindness and consideration to your team members, listen out for their struggles, be empathetic.

The worst thing that you can do at this time, or any time for that matter is to be a dictator who simply tosses around orders, listens to no one and create chaos by being disorganized, disrespectful of other’s time and priorities.

When it comes to remote team management, the key is to remember that you have to empower your team members so that they are motivated to manage themselves. There are some that will rise to the occasion and others who will fall short. Manage your expectations and address any issues that arise. Yet, try to be mindful of what each team member is going through and offer support and guidance where needed.

Are you managing a team remotely? What has been your experience so far?

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