Manage Your Remote Team With These Essential Tips
Guest Blog: Tina Martin Ideaspired.com
Managing a team of people can be challenging at the best of times. When the group is scattered around the state or country and collaborating remotely, it can feel next to impossible. There are so many details that have to come together to make it work. So how do you get started?
First, review your brand and image and assess your leadership skills. If you don’t have a clear vision for success, it will be that much harder to manage your team. Jennifer Grant International can help you hone in on the things you need to grow your brand and feel more confident. You’ll also want to think about how to put together your ideal group of people according to the projects you have in mind and how to make it cost-effective.
Having the right people for the job is the first crucial step in ensuring success. Leading a team also takes patience and organization, and it requires the ability to communicate effectively, especially when you’re all working remotely. Utilize team calls, video calls, and one-on-one virtual meetings that will help you stay on top of everyone’s individual concerns and needs. These are especially important in a remote environment so that no one feels isolated or that their voice isn’t being heard. You can also utilize virtual team-building exercises that will help each person learn how best to share responsibilities with their remote coworkers and garner trust.
Narrow down the talent.
One of the most important things a business needs — regardless of its projects or goals — is a website full of accessible, engaging content that stays current. To save time, you can fill the position of content marketer by looking at job boards and reading reviews of all the professionals available. Take note of the pricing they offer and how long it will take for them to deliver their content marketing services. Finding the best talent for the job will ensure a low turnover rate for your business and will save you both time and money.
Brush up on your communication skills.
Having the right people for the job is the first crucial step in ensuring success. Leading a team also takes patience and organization, and it requires the ability to communicate effectively, especially when you’re all working remotely. Utilize team calls, video calls, and one-on-one virtual meetings that will help you stay on top of everyone’s individual concerns and needs. These are especially important in a remote environment so that no one feels isolated or that their voice isn’t being heard. You can also utilize virtual team-building exercises that will help each person learn how best to share responsibilities with their remote coworkers and garner trust.
Give everyone the same access.
An essential part of good communication is keeping everyone on the same page, so make use of project-sharing materials, time management resources, and other online tools that will allow the entire team to stay updated and on track. When everyone has the same access to the right resources, it’s much easier to manage a project. It’s also a good idea to set your expectations from the start when it comes to each individual’s responsibilities, but avoid micromanaging just because you can’t oversee the work in person. If they have the right tools, they should be able to deliver their work on time and correctly.
Remain flexible.
Refraining from micromanaging your team is just one aspect of the flexibility you’ll need to make each project a success. Some individuals may have small children at home, making video calls difficult. Others may require different work hours than the rest of the team due to family obligations. Working from home is often convenient for some, but for others, it creates challenges that must be navigated carefully. It’s a good practice to work from the idea that as long as the work is getting done, it doesn’t matter what the employee’s approach is.
Managing a remote team takes a lot of planning and the ability to adapt on your feet, but that also comes with running a business. By keeping communication open, finding your management style, and learning new ways to navigate the boundaries created by remote work, you can ensure that your team — and your business — is successful.
Ready to get in touch with Jennifer Grant? Reach out and start a conversation today via email or call (250) 808-3758.
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