Leading From Afar: How to Manage a Remote Team Long-Term

Without question, remote work is rocking the way we live and do business more than anything has in a long time. The pandemic expedited this, to the point that many companies have gone completely remote, and most people have had to learn how to remotely work at least in some capacity. 

If you’re an owner or manager that needs to learn how to manage a remote team, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn more about remote team management and what methods you can use to optimize the way your business is run. 

What Can You Do to Improve the Way You Manage a Remote Team?

It’s important that you put the best strategies to use when you’re trying to connect to, motivate, and get the best out of your remote workers. Here are some must-have solutions to thrive in this day and age:

1. Set Up Protocols and Guidelines for How You Communicate Long-Term

One of the first things you need to do is to set up protocols and guidelines for how your company communicates. Communicating remotely can cause lines to get blurred, to the point that people are sending messages that are going directly to mobile devices well into the night and early morning. 

Enforce a cap on widespread messages, and leave your employees to their discretion regarding how late they direct message each other. Stick to these standards and never lose sight of courtesy and organization just because you’re working remotely now. 

2. Make Use of the Best Technology That You Can Find

In order to thrive with remote working right now, you need to use the best technology available. Make sure that you’re using chat platforms like Slack, and that you’re on Zoom, Skype, or other platforms for your video calls.

Make sure that you’re using cloud technology whenever possible both for file sharing and brainstorming. When you have the highest quality technology available, you won’t miss a beat with the way that you communicate and manage your team remotely. 

Check out this company when you’re looking into some of the technology that can be useful to you and your entire team. 

3. Have Periodic Goals That You’re Working Toward

It’s also important that you set and work toward consistent goals when you’re trying to manage a company remotely. This gets everyone on the same page and moving in the same direction. 

You will be able to break your goals down into different teams and can communicate with them separately toward their objectives as everyone works remotely. 

4. Hold Productive Meetings and Record Them

So much time is commonly wasted during meetings. To avoid this, have a set agenda for your meetings and make sure that all speaking points are laid out. Limit the amount of time that each person can speak, and make sure to table items for the next meeting if the conversation gets superfluous. 

Take it upon yourself to hold a regular meeting, and schedule special meetings for issues that are too time-consuming. 

5. Continuously Do Things to Boost Morale

Finally, always take time to constantly keep the company’s morale high. The best way to do this is by regularly checking in with people individually and letting them know they matter. 

Take time out to recognize people for their excellent work, and find new ways to motivate. 

Run Your Team Like a Dream

The tips above will help you manage a remote team to the fullest. The business landscape is shifting, so the better you are able to get a handle on remote work, the easier it’ll be to thrive and stand out from your competitors. 

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