How to properly manage remote teams

Do not divide employees into two categories

The hardest thing, perhaps, when the team works remotely, and some - in the office. In this situation, managers need to pay special attention to make sure that does not deprive someone attention and not make remote employees feel second class.

For example, if you conduct a meeting and there should be at least one remote employee, ask for absolutely everyone to connect remotely to each have equal opportunities.

In addition, remote employees often have a fear that their career will not advance. According to survey, Managers at 25% less likely to discuss with them career prospects than their colleagues in the office. Do not forget about it, and once a quarter to discuss the progress of their remote employees, professional goals and development prospects.

Try to establish the trust and not to control every step

Micromanagement - the problem of leaders who want to control all the processes in the company. But it does not increase the productivity of employees, and only causes them stress. At the heart of teamwork must be trust. If you do not trust those with whom you are working, then the problem is not the remote employees.

Many managers mistakenly believe trusted for delegation of duties. Although just give subordinate task - it's not the same thing as to trust him with the matter with which he successfully cope on their own.

In order to build trust between you and your employees, try to begin to understand them, to understand the context of their work.

Do not focus on the fact that the team members do in every particular moment. Instead, ask yourself how they would react to put your goals. Frightened of difficulties? Inspired? Come into confusion? And then think about how you are affected by the occurrence of such a reaction.

Trust usually begins with a personal touch, and with remote teams is always difficult. So be sure to take the time to get to know their employees. Reyess Randy (Randy Rayess), founder of the trading platform VenturePact, said that once a week he communicates with remote employees not only work items, but also on the personal. Talk hobbies, family histories helped them build trust and strengthen relationships.

Learn to listen and ask more questions

In a typical office environment is easier to notice if the employee is dissatisfied with something and thinking of resignation. Naturally, with remote workers all the more difficult. Alarms can be skipped without personal contact and not understand that people feel alienated from the case or disappointed.

Ability to listen and ask questions to help get the information in the case of office staff you would get in person. Therefore, during regular meetings are not limited to short questions about your recent projects. Ask employees what for them it is more important, the difficulties they face. Do not expect that they will pick up these topics, ask yourself. So you better understand their motivation, and they feel that they are valued.

Do not avoid difficult conversations

speak criticism and prevent conflict is always difficult, but it is especially difficult to do this remotely. However, do not shy away from such conversations. If you are always afraid to hurt someone's feelings or cause someone's discontent, the team there an artificial sense of calm, which eventually can lead to serious problems.

Not to bring to this, take precautions. For example, if you put together a new team, or moved to a new phase of the project, meetings were held, fully dedicated to the resolution of conflicts. Ask each participant how he behaves in conflict situations. Imagine differences may arise on what issues. Then, while working on the project will not have unpleasant surprises.