6 Tips on Managing Remote Teams

Everyone has figured out a way to manage and go about things from a remote perspective as it has become the need of the hour and a new trend. It is definitely scary and a different experience altogether, as no one has had any time to prepare and plan for such instances.

Here are some pointers to keep the team going on even when working remotely:

1. Task setting and Daily Reporting

Have a simple way of scheduling tasks and assigning work. The daily task scheduling and reporting structure will allow you to connect on a one-one basis and understand the work that is done but also have an update on the hindrances as well. This will allow the both the manager and the employee to understand the value of the work done, and also things that have to be improved on. Have just a simple agenda and updates, which is enough to keep the work and progress on track for completion.

2. Communication is key (Use Technology)

Communicate small things, keep groups have a way and method to connect to the internal team. It doesn't have to be continuous messaging but it will help if small updates are passed on. Something that is interesting that you came across or difficulties faced, "how to go about this?". This will allow you to keep in connect with your subordinates even when not in the office environment.

Use any collaboration tools which will allow teams to interact and stay engaged. (Emails cannot be used for team collaboration.)

3. Stay focused on Outcomes, Not the activities done

It is a very difficult task to keep track of every minute activity that has been done throughout the day when working remotely. When working with people in different locations focus on the outcomes and the tasks that are completed, rather than the hours put it, or what were the activities done. With the outcome approach, the team will also start to focus on completing the work, within the given time.

4. Set the Expectations

Explain and have a clear mindset on what are the expectations set and the work that is set, with the particular timeline. Set tasks and have reasons for each task as well and how we are going to achieve the goals set. The team should also be aware of how success is going to be measured and monitored.

From the team's perspective it makes it so much easier when there is a deadline set and there is a scope of work to work with and the required deliverables as a product of the work. If not there will be no correlation with the discussions and the end result of the product, do not expect everyone to understand what is there in your mind.

5. Equip the team with the right resources

Make sure the team has the required resources whether laptop, wifi, phones whatever it could be. But ensure the right amount of resources and equipment are present with the employee to produce the required end output.  

6. Stay Flexible

Trust that the team will get out the best work and if there are issues along the way make sure to have an understanding of the hurdles faced. Be realistic towards the approach as it's not about the 8 to 9 hours of work to be punched in but understand the effort of each employee and the probable issues that they could be facing. As a manager, you need to give the right amount of freedom and decision making capabilities to ensure a productive and innovative team. If there are timelines and work that gets extended, try to understand what is dragging the process but work out the solution that will work and act swiftly on the next steps (do not dwell on the failures along the way).