How to Manage Remote Teams
Establish Team Norms and Expectations
Research indicates that only about half of professionals are clear on what’s expected of them at work, which can negatively impact their engagement and commitment. To enhance motivation and engage your remote workforce, it's crucial to set clear team norms for interaction and collaboration. According to Leadership Principles, a formal launch process can help dispersed teams start strong. This process, even if virtual, should be deliberate and intentional, allowing team members to get to know each other and agree on the norms that will guide their work across locations.
Hold Regular Check-Ins and One-On-One Conversations
Regular check-ins with remote employees significantly boost engagement. Gallup research shows that employees who frequently meet with their managers are three times more engaged than their peers. Additionally, those who don't have one-on-one meetings with their supervisors are four times more likely to be disengaged.
Leverage Technology
Utilize technology to facilitate face-to-face communication during check-ins and one-on-ones whenever possible. A Harvard Business Review study found that face-to-face communication is 34 times more effective than email. In addition to videoconferencing tools, platforms like Trello and Slack can promote information-sharing among your team.
Communicate Constantly
Clear and consistent communication is critical for motivating and guiding remote employees. A study by the Association for Talent Development found that 83 percent of business leaders consider communication the most important skill for managerial success. In Leadership Principles, Mayo emphasizes the importance of leaders overcommunicating, as teams often feel they are receiving insufficient communication. Meghan Joyce, COO at Oscar Health and former Uber executive, underscores the need to reiterate key messages in various settings, such as at the start of meetings, during one-on-ones, and via email after team huddles. This approach helps prevent miscommunication and resolve many organizational challenges.
Be Transparent
Transparency is a key communication skill for leaders and a top factor in employee happiness. When communicating significant initiatives, such as organizational changes, fully explain the reasons behind decisions and invite questions from your employees. This transparency ensures everyone is aligned and fosters a stronger foundation of trust.
Instil a Sense of Purpose
Purpose has a significant impact on individual, team, and business performance. Google research identifies setting a team vision as a critical behavior of high-performing managers. A PwC survey found that 83 percent of professionals believe purpose gives meaning to their work. To instil purpose, provide concrete examples of how your team’s efforts contribute to important organizational objectives. Employ the principles of "Commander’s Intent," a concept from Management Essentials, to unify your team around a common goal.
