Virtual Leadership: How to Boost Remote Team Productivity

Technology and online tools have made it possible for executive leaders in every field to work with teams remotely. Doing so provides a great way to save money on office space and commuting and can also be effective in times of crisis such as these. However, the practice does have its share of downsides, which teams will want to work to mitigate.

For one, it can be difficult to fully express yourself if you are relying on text or emails. This leaves room for miscommunication. Breakdowns can also occur when team members are not able to answer their texts or emails to provide answers that may be needed immediately. And these are only some examples of the potential barriers that businesses face when communicating remotely.

While these issues may be impossible to overcome completely, there are steps that leaders can take to manage their teams as efficiently as possible in a remote setting. Here are some valuable hints, tips, and strategies that can help you more effectively manage a virtual workforce.

Schedule a Daily Check In

It’s a good idea to have a meeting with your team that takes place at the same time every day, ideally towards the start of the morning. During this morning meeting, team members and leaders should review where they are at in the projects they are currently working on and brief co-workers on the next steps. It is best to hold these meeting through a videoconferencing platform to ensure that no miscommunication occurs.

Communicate Often

The added barrier of having to turn to a phone or text message to communicate can make workers think twice about reaching out to their colleagues. Before sending a message, they may wonder if doing so is really necessary. On the flip side, if they decide against communicating, they may jump to their own conclusions regarding a serious matter which could have detrimental repercussions in the long run.

To prevent this from happening, encourage your team to engage often and don’t hold back from contacting them regarding important matters either.

Use Technology to Its Fullest Advantage

As technology continues to advance, several communication channels continue to make remote work eminently possible. Calling, texting and videoconferencing are just a few. You might also look to tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams that are more suited to collaboration.

Businesses should explore their options to find the tools that work best for them. They may choose to rely on several different options to communicate efficiently.

Set Clear Goals

Setting clear goals is important in the running of any business, but it becomes even more essential in a remote situation. When employees understand not only what the company is looking to achieve, but also why it’s trying to make these things happen? They will be better able to focus on getting the best outcomes and they will find more effective ways to self-manage their responsibilities.

Empower Your Staff

Leaders that micro-manage will have difficulty adjusting to a remote situation. Workers that are working from home may be adapting to a more flexible schedule and work approach, and leaders will have to adapt along with them.

Instead of trying to account for every minute of your worker’s workday, focus on their productivity. If workers are getting things done and achieving their goals, that’s what really is important.

Make Sure Your Team Has Adequate Resources

Some people take it for granted that everyone has access to high-speed Internet, a printer and other basic supplies that will help them work efficiently. It is up to leaders to make sure their team members have the tools they need to get the job done.

Managers should question their workers to find out what tools they require to help them manage their workflow. Businesses should look, where possible, to purchase these supplies for their workers or reimburse them for any out of pocket expenses they incur.

Be Flexible

When teams are working from remote locations, they may not always be in front of their computers and monitoring their phones. Therefore, managers must give them time to respond and produce the work that is requested. As mentioned earlier, productivity is the bottom line. As long as workers are reaching their goals, leaders should allow for flexible scheduling.

Make Time for One-on-Ones

Another challenge that is common in a remote working situation is overcoming the lack of camaraderie. When you work in an office with other workers, there are water cooler discussions, jokes that are made throughout the day and office get-togethers. These all help build a sense of culture teamwork.

Working remotely does not allow for these situations as readily. Luckily, you can continue to build this spirit by making time for team videoconferencing as well as holding one-on-ones with the individual members of your staff. These meeting should have a professional vibe, but also be sure to include personal touches by asking members how their families are doing and if there are any struggles they are facing with their current workload.

Ask for Feedback

It’s always a good idea for leaders to ask their team members how they are managing their workload and find out if there are any improvements that can be made to allow for increased productivity. Be sure to maintain this rapport in a remote situation while taking time to find out how workers are handling the virtual aspects of the job. See what you can do to provide a more personal and/or motivational experience.

Working remotely is a convenient way to handle business, but it’s important to remember that it also comes with its own challenges. However, there are many things that leaders can do to make the remote workplace run as efficiently as possible while promoting a sense of camaraderie. The more you implement the strategies outlined above, the more successful your efforts to manage a virtual workforce will be.