Remote teams have become widescale at the global level. Unfortunately, this has not been by choice and usually, when change is forced upon us it is more difficult to handle. But we can accomplish what we will when we put ourminds to it and there is usually much help along the way. Forbes features an article by Melody Wilding, which serves as a guide for sensitive leaders to manage remote teams during the coronavirus pandemic. The guide suggests the following steps:
- Use Video Instead of Audio – Using video provides authentic connection and increases engagement, interaction, and productivity.
- Overcommunicate – Be very communicative with your team, especially earlier on in the remote setting.
- Have Daily Update Meetings – Have a daily 15-20-minute meeting for team members to give work updates and discuss obstacles to progress. A meeting will not be necessary for everything. Use available technologies such as Loom to produce short videos and screen shares to relay feedback and instructions to the team.
- Establish Pairing Sessions – Let two team members do a project together in order to keep the feeling of loneliness and isolation at bay and increase accountability.
- Permit “Do Not Disturb” – Allow your team focus time to complete tasks without being disturbed. Be sensitive to their home-environment reality as they adjust to remote work.
- Create a Celebration Channel – Use an online collaborative tool to create a space where you can recognize and celebrate your team and where team members can salute one another and share accomplishments.
- Check-in One on One – check-in with individual team members to unearth what they may be struggling with, what their worries and concerns are, and how you can help them.
- Manage Your Mindset – Look out for self-doubt, which is a natural response to uncertainty and change. Be careful about perfectionism and overworking and deal with negative self-talk.
eCornell has long been educating leaders on how to lead remote teams. In response to the challenges occasioned by COVID-19, have incorporated relevant knowledge that is specific to the new work order. Explore their program in Leading Remote Teams.