How to Grow a Remote Team
In today’s digital world, remote work has become a cornerstone of modern business practices, and building/nurturing a remote team has never been more important.
Managing a remote team, however, especially when it comes to different time zones, can make business owners a bit hesitant.
But hey, I’ve been doing this for a bit now, so I have 10 ways you can manage and grow your remote team efficiently and effectively!
Hire the Right Talent
You’ll want to start by recruiting individuals who not only possess the necessary skills for their roles but also demonstrate self-discipline, effective communication skills, and adaptability. Another tip is to look for candidates who have experience or a strong inclination toward remote work.
Establish Clear Communication Channels
Open and transparent communication is the cornerstone of any successful remote team. Utilize various communication tools such as G Chat, Microsoft Teams, or Asana to keep everyone connected. Encourage team members to be proactive in sharing updates, asking questions, and seeking clarification.
Set Clear Goals and Expectations
Each team member should understand their responsibilities, deadlines, and key performance indicators (KPIs). Regularly revisit these goals and provide constructive feedback to ensure everyone is aligned with the company’s objectives and vice versa.
Create and Cultivate a Positive Work Culture
Foster a sense of belonging by organizing virtual team-building activities, online workshops, or casual virtual coffee sessions. Creating opportunities for team members to interact beyond work-related discussions strengthens their relationships and boosts morale. The connection piece within your remote team is just as, if not more, important in building.
Encourage Autonomy and Flexibility
Remote work empowers employees to manage their schedules effectively. Encourage autonomy by focusing on results rather than micromanaging tasks. This approach not only boosts productivity but also fosters a sense of trust among team members.
Invest in the Right Technology
You might be asking yourself, “Really? Again?”. You would be surprised at how much it costs your business to be investing in the wrong tech, and how it can affect your team especially. High-quality video conferencing, project management software, and collaborative document editing platforms are essential for efficient remote teamwork.
Promote Work-Life Balance
Remote work can sometimes blur the lines between professional and personal life. Encourage your team to establish clear boundaries between work and leisure time. Avoid sending non-urgent messages outside of working hours and respect time zone differences.
Emphasise Professional Development
Provide opportunities for skill development and career growth. Remote employees, like their in-office counterparts, should have access to training programs, mentorship, and resources that help them enhance their skills and stay motivated.
Always Check-in and Collect Feedback
This might be a “no-brainer”, but the gist is, you need to talk to your team members. A great way to do this is to schedule regular one-on-one check-ins with team members to provide feedback and address concerns. Constructive feedback, both positive and negative, helps individuals grow and improves team dynamics. Here at Signal, we have weekly or bi-weekly check-ins. Sometimes only 15 minutes and others a full 45 minutes; it’s what works for our team.
Celebrate the Wins, the Achievements, and the “Good”
Acknowledge and celebrate team and individual achievements, milestones, and anniversaries. Recognition can be in the form of virtual shout-outs during team meetings or small tokens of appreciation sent digitally. People want to be seen and heard, so regularly acknowledging them and their accomplishments is an easy way to do this.
To recap, growing a remote team requires a combination of clear communication, trust-building, and fostering a positive team culture. By investing in the right talent, providing the necessary tools, and promoting a healthy work-life balance, your remote team can thrive, achieve its goals, and contribute significantly to your organization’s success.
Remember, the key lies in creating an environment where every team member feels valued, supported, and motivated to do their best work, regardless of their physical location.
Want to talk about what tech is right for you and your business? Book a FREE consult call with me!