Managing Your Remote Team

Have a Plan for Messaging

Efficient communication is essential for making sure deadlines are met and tasks are communicated effectively. Managing your remote team requires a plan for communicating with your team both synchronously and asynchronously. Synchronously refers to communicating with someone in real time. Wether over the phone, in a zoom call, or in person. Asynchronously refers to communication where you have time to type out a response to before replying. These include communications such as text and email. Creating a plan and getting your team on board with the best way to communicate information will help reduce unnecessary emails and zoom calls.

Assume the Best in Communications

Emails, Slacks, and texts don't contain tone or cadence. A message can get lost when you are unable to show body language or convey tone. Because of this, asynchronous communications can sometimes become muddled as the reader tries to interpret the intention of the message, which can sometimes be affect by your mood and even personal biases. Teach your team to assume that all communications are being sent with the best of intentions. This will lead to speedier communication as you and your team won't need to spend extra time including emojis to convey a friendly message.

Manage Team Expectations

Getting your team familiar with turnaround times, reoccurring tasks, and communications will be helpful in optimizing everyone's work. This can be especially useful when dealing with vendors. The goal is that your team is aware of what needs to be done, when, and that vendors are capable of managing the expectations set for them.

Stick to an Established Routine

Probably one of the most important parts of managing your remote team, is sticking to a consistent, established, routine. When dealing with multiple members of a team (possibly across multiple time zones), its crucial that everyone stays the course. One disruption can throw off entire schedules so gain a collective consensus on scheduling and meeting times. Working remotely offers a great deal of freedom, so make sure your employees are aware of the importances of routines and conscious of their coworkers as well.

No Meetings Without An Agenda

Meetings with no agenda are inefficient. When time with your team is limited, especially when working remote, the time you spend with them is precious. Make sure your team is prepared before joining meetings, and an agenda is set and sent out ahead of time. Im a member of the team feels that are unprepared for the meeting, reschedule.

Check In On Your Team with One-on-Ones

It can be easy to relegate feedback to your team through an email or a Slack, but isn't always the best way to engage with your team. Company culture can suffer if your team feels neglected. Emails can easily be ignored so make sure to carve out time for verbal feedback with your team. These are great opportunities for course correction and to also check in on the wellbeing of your team which can boost morale and reengage them.

Arrange an "Onsite"

Remote work and work from home are here to stay. In fact, more than half of American workers prefer working remotely than working in an office. That being said, there is no substitute for in person meeting and the energy and collaboration that comes from them. Instead of setting up offsite meetings, schedule onsite ones. Onsite meetings bring one of kind benefits that you wouldn't otherwise get from a pure 100% remote work team. Onsites boost team morale, build relationships, and even great ways to introduce new members of the team.

If you are ever in the Los Angeles area, book your next meeting with Village Workspaces and see for yourself the benefits of an "onsite" meeting.