Business today is punctuated by global workplaces. Coworkers are no longer co-located in the same office. Instead, technology is pushing work out to remote offices and independent employees who can work just about anywhere.
Any company that outsources work to a third party is already engaging in some form of virtual teamwork. But more and more, companies are expanding their notion of where traditional office functions take place. We’re seeing a continued rise in remote work.
As managers, most of us were raised in face-time office cultures. But with today’s dispersed workforce, how well our department performs depend on how well we learn to manage this new remote work style.
In any workplace, managers are responsible for making sure employees are empowered and have what they need to succeed. But in a virtual work environment, the need for effective communication and clear expectations increases.
Manage for Results
When the face-time element is removed, managers must learn to measure remote teams based on accomplishments and deliverables. Ensure that each remote team member has a defined purpose and objectives against which they will be measured.
Most job descriptions are focused on tasks. Retool them to focus on results. When employees understand what excellence looks like – and how it will be measured — they can take greater responsibility for meeting that goal, and you have a clear way to measure performance.
Establish Ground Rules
Work with your team to develop a remote work agreement. Create a set of work guidelines that outline expectations in term of core hours, availability, communication, and project tracking. Have everyone (you too) sign it. This agreement gives you a point of reference when there’s some sort of conflict or miscommunication. And it gives you a touchstone to go back to and clarify issues or concerns.
Address Challenges Proactively
Remote teams can expect a few hiccups along the way. Because most of us are accustomed to traditional face-time environments, learning to work virtually requires new patterns of behavior. Until the team understands how to interact together, misunderstandings may occur. Limit frustrations by having proactive discussions about team dynamics, and update your virtual team agreement as necessary.
Get the Right Technology
Any remote work team should have multiple modes of communication at its disposal. Technology options include instant messaging, project tracking software, audio and web conferencing, screen sharing, and shared directories. The right technology enables remote workers to have higher levels of interaction with more colleagues.
Create an Atmosphere of Trust
Results-based management means focusing on team output, rather than hours on the clock. But employees also need to recognize this trust is a two-way street. Consistent performers can be given longer project assignments, while newer team members can be expected to check in more often.
When managing remote teams, leaders need to evaluate their “trust tolerance” and set up systems accordingly. If your management style is more controlling, remind yourself to step back and give high performers room to succeed independently. If you tend to be over-trusting, look for project management tools, such as tracking systems and flash reports, you can use to monitor progress.
Build Team
E-meetings work well for progress reports, but they aren’t ideal for team building. When possible, schedule face-to-face meetings at least twice a year to improve rapport among virtual coworkers. If face-to-face meetings aren’t in the budget, you’ll need be more deliberate about building team during regularly scheduled meetings and planned team events.
Remember that managing a remote team is about more than facilitating the exchange of information. You need to create a work environment that supports relationships too. Strong teams communicate better and are more likely to iron out problems on their own, without requiring manager input.
Open Your Virtual Door
Presence technology comes embedded in many enterprise e-work solutions, but is also available through informal instant messaging tools. This technology lets team members know when you are available to discuss projects or answer a quick question. Managers of remote teams should be available through instant messaging, regularly scheduled conference calls, and team project blogs.
Remote teamwork is a necessary skill in a global economy. A company that learns to leverage these remote teams successfully will realize a number of bottom line benefits including access to a wider talent pool, lower turnover, more productive employees, and lower real estate costs.
Build your remote team management skills. 15Be offers remote team training, including how to Manage Remote and Flex Teams. Book now.