Handling a remote team can be challenging, especially if you have workers who come from various time zones, languages and cultures. Not only tasks must be done on time, they have to be done correctly as well. However, if you keep pressing your workers for updates, you may end up doing micromanagement.
Micromanagement can be stressful for everyone because it may create a poor working environment for everyone and cause your workers to resent working with your strict work ethic. They may try to avoid talking or confiding in you because they don’t want you to be “breathing down” their necks and hear you nag all the time.
To prevent this from happening, here are some tips you can apply to prevent micromanaging while handling your remote team:
Always have your door ready for communication
One reason why micromanaging happens is because of the communication gap between you and your team. There are many reasons why such a gap exists and it is likely because they can’t reach out to you.
Let your team know that you are always available to help them out if they need assistance. If they ask you to check their work, check it and give constructive feedback.
Don’t obsess on only one method to do things
It is not ideal to stick to one process or method to do things, especially if it doesn’t work for the team. If you stick with one method, it can lead to more complications and cause workers to be frustrated since they can’t do other methods which they find easier to do. It also affects their focus because you keep disturbing them.
Always be clear with your team as to what results you want to get from them and let them propose alternatives if they believe it will make things easier to get the best results.
Acknowledge your weak points
As a team leader, you should recognise that you may have weak points that can affect your team’s work. This can be in the form of written communication, which is the usual way teams communicate remotely, or in your familiarity in key topics.
Don’t get mad if your team asks you questions about your instructions and let them do the tasks the way they think is best.
Consider promoting them or giving them rewards
When trying to lead a remote team, it is important that you give your team incentives or rewards when their productivity is very high. This will inspire your team to do better, especially if they are due for a promotion.
Read More: 10 simple ways to reward your staff
Build a relationship with your workers
If you want your remote team to succeed and stay productive, it is best that you can trust one another despite the distance you may have. Take some time to get to know your team and discuss how you can improve your productivity. Doing this will promote transparency between team members and make the work more engaging for everyone.
Always Have Backup Plans
Remote working depends heavily on internet connection. Unless each of your team members worked with a contingency internet service provider (not unheard of, I do have two different internet providers at home), you may need to have a failsafe plan should that happens.
You can prepare each of them to have a data loaded sim card for mobile tethering. Should their internet fail, they can create a hotspot using their mobile and continue working.
Another common failure is their laptops. Remote employees should be able to bring their laptop quickly to an authorised provider near their homes for a fix while companies can make arrangements for a secondary laptop to be loaned to the employee until the problematic laptop is fixed.
Conclusion
Leading a remote team doesn’t have to be stressful to do, especially if you want your team to stay productive. By shifting your mindset to allow your workers to complete assignments in their own methods, being available to them for inquiries and giving them incentives, it will definitely improve your team’s productivity and strengthen your team even further.
Struggling with remote working? Here are some tips to help you: 7 Ways to Spot the Traits of Effective Remote Employees 5 Great Tips to Build a Strong Culture Among Your Remote Team Is Remote Work Right for Your Company?
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