When the pandemic hit earlier this year, businesses had to find new ways to continue operating with their entire workforce under lockdown. Granting employees the option to work from home was once considered a luxury, however, today it has become a necessity.
Thanks to video conferencing tools and other management software, many companies have managed to stay afloat during such unprecedented times. However, as you may have seen firsthand, managing a team remotely is not an easy feat. Like many, your team is probably feeling frustrated, confused, and completely unmotivated, which is understandable given the current abnormal working conditions. As a manager, it’s your job to find ways to efficiently manage your team and improve your employees’ morale. Below, we will give you some valuable tips on how to do just that with your remote team.
Stay Connected
One of the biggest downsides of having to manage a remote team is the lack of connection. Your job as a manager is ten folds harder when you can’t have that direct relationship with your team to coach them and supervise their work. However, by using digital communication tools, you can provide your employees with the support they need and keep track of their progress to ensure a smooth workflow. Make sure your team understands that staying connected is not only about you ‘managing’, it’s also for them to be able to reach you whenever they need. When you are planning your weekly agenda, make sure you dedicate enough time to touch base with each one of your team members. Ask them about any challenges they are facing and how they would like you to support then be responsive and take actions. Being intentional about staying connected will give you a sense of control over your remote team and help you become a more efficient manager.
Use Technology
Regardless of your line of business, you will need to rely on technology big time when managing a remote team. Unlike what people think, it’s not all about video conferencing and online meetings. You must have a reliable tool to ensure easy job management for each one of your team members. Especially if you manage a team of field engineers, for example, who work at a client site that you don’t have access to. A smart job management software will allow you to assign tasks easily and oversee your projects’ progress when your team logs in their daily input. In addition to the desktop version, you can download and sync the mobile app to receive real-time information to enhance your decision-making process. No matter how big or small your company is, you can customize the software to fit your specific needs.
Adjust Expectations
Managing a remote team requires different managerial skills. You can’t follow the same approaches that you would with an in-house team nor have the same expectations. Otherwise, you will be setting up your team for failure. Instead, you need to adjust your expectations and accept that there will be many gaps holes for you to fill. For example, it will take a longer time before you and your remote team can find a work rhythm that you can both feel comfortable with. Even effective communication will need a lot of effort on both sides before it can come naturally. The sooner you understand the unique dynamics of managing a remote team and adjusting your expectations accordingly, the easier will your job become.
Focus on the End-Result
Unlike managing a team that is right under your eyes all the time, managing a remote team necessitates that you focus on the result. It would be a complete waste of time to attempt micromanaging a remote team. Make it a point to trust your subordinates and give them the space to manage their own day-to-day tasks as long as they stick to deadlines. On the one side, this will give you the time and energy to focus on the bigger picture. While on the other, your employees will appreciate your trust, become more motivated, and have ownership of their work. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.
Embrace Flexibility
This is not to say that you should throw your planner out the window, it’s more about allowing some flexibility to your usually rigid methods. If one of your team members prefers to work overnight and it’s not going to affect the workflow, let them have their way. Remote work is tough all-around so you need to make sure that your team understands that you are on their side and are there to support and empower them.
Managing a remote team will take you some time before you can get the hang of it. However, the above tips can be of great help. Be transparent with your team and involve them along the way to ensure smooth operations. It might be hard for you to believe at the moment, but many managers have noticed a surge in their remote team’s productivity after finding a system that suited all those involved.
