Managing remote teams can present big challenges, even for the most experienced managers. It’s hard to connect across multiple locations and time zones, take different norms and communication styles into account, and make sure everyone has a chance to have their voice heard. Even when the whole team is working in the same city or country, remote work still presents plenty of obstacles.
Recognizing the nuances and difficulties of operating as a remote team is a good place to start. Next, ask your team for their help identifying solutions. Do some brainstorming or have a context to see who comes up with the most creative ideas. Get them to list some fun, virtual activities whether it’s Zoom bingo, virtual wine tasting, or a game of trivia.
As a manager, you don’t need to have all the answers so long as you ask the right questions. Remember to lean on the resourceful people around you including your team, manager, and HR.
Stay Connected
Find ways to connect across departments, levels, and geographies. Remember to set aside time to meet and talk with no work agenda. People are missing the chance to socialize informally, so you want to recreate that. For example, our team has done virtual happy hours, coffees, and even a holiday celebration. We celebrated the company’s five year anniversary by sending everyone a mug so we could all toast together.
Over-Communicate
It’s easy for people to feel disconnected, like they’re missing something, when they don’t see or hear from you. As a leader you’re there to communicate the vision, reinforce company values, and inspire people to achieve their goals. Consider doing more one on one meetings, sending video messages, and making yourself part of onboarding if you have new folks joining the team.
Hone Your People Skills
Especially if you’re a new manager you may be more comfortable with the hands on part of your job (coding, accounting, etc.) than you are in your people management role. Push yourself to get out of your comfort zone by spending more time with your team and having more authentic conversations. When you ask someone how they’re doing, make it a real conversation vs. a quick interaction.
Watch for people who seem to be struggling and need more support. That might include working parents with school age kids at home, people who are single and feeling isolated, or team members who have an existing mental health condition. In the past you probably treated everyone the same regardless of their personal circumstances, but COVID demands something different.
Below are a few articles to help you manage effectively right now, during these unique times.
How to Be an Inclusive Leader Through a Crisis by Ruchika Tulshyan, Harvard Business Review, 2020
How Do I Lead a Distracted Team Through Chaotic Times? by Jennifer Romolini, 2020
How to Collaborate Effectively When Your Team is Remote by Erica Dhawan and Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Harvard Business Review 2018
Looking for more ways to better manage remotely? See our list of eight great remote management tips.
Pro tip: If you don’t have a remote work agreement, we’re happy to help! Reach out to info@reverbpeople.com
